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) May 8, 2017

 

 

LEGGETT & PLATT, INCORPORATED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Missouri   001-07845   44-0324630

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

No. 1 Leggett Road,

Carthage, MO

  64836
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 417-358-8131

N/A

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions ( see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

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))

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company  ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

 

 

 


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

Entry into New Severance Benefit Agreements

On May 9, 2017, the Company entered into Severance Benefit Agreements with Karl G. Glassman, President & CEO, Matthew C. Flanigan, Executive Vice President & CFO, Perry E. Davis, Executive Vice President, President – Residential Products & Industrial Products, and J. Mitchell Dolloff, Executive Vice President, President – Specialized Products & Furniture Products (collectively the “ 2017 Severance Agreements ”). Upon a Change in Control of the Company, the 2017 Severance Agreements provide for severance payments and benefits during a “ Protected Period” following the Change in Control. The Protected Period is 24 months for each executive.

In general, a Change in Control is deemed to occur when: (i) a shareholder becomes the beneficial owner of 40% or more of our common stock, (ii) the current directors, as of the date of the agreement, or their successors no longer constitute a majority of the Board of Directors, (iii) after a merger or consolidation with another corporation, less than 65% of the voting securities of the surviving corporation are owned by our former shareholders, (iv) the Company liquidates, sells or otherwise transfers substantially all of its assets to an unrelated third party; or (v) the Company enters into an agreement, including a letter of intent, which contemplates a Change in Control (as described above), or the Company or a person makes a public announcement of an intention to take actions which, if consummated, would result in a Change in Control (as described above).

The payments and benefits under the 2017 Severance Agreements are subject to a “double trigger”; that is, they become due only after both (i) a Change in Control of the Company and (ii) the executive officer’s employment is terminated by the Company (except for “cause” or upon disability) or the executive officer terminates his employment for “good reason.”

In general, the executive officer would have “good reason” to terminate his employment if he were required to relocate or experienced a reduction in job responsibilities, title, compensation or benefits, or if the successor company did not assume the obligations of the 2017 Severance Agreement. The Company may cure the “good reason” for termination within 30 days of receiving notice from the executive.

Events considered grounds for termination by the Company for “cause” under the 2017 Severance Agreements generally include the executive’s (i) conviction of a felony or any crime involving property of the Company; (ii) willful breach of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct or Financial Code of Ethics that causes significant injury to the Company; (iii) willful act or omission involving fraud, misappropriation or dishonesty that causes significant injury to the Company or results in material enrichment to the executive at the Company’s expense; (iv) willful violations of specific written directions of the Board following notice of such violation; or (v) continuing, repeated, or willful failure to substantially perform duties after written notice from the Board.

The 2017 Severance Agreements have no fixed termination period, but continue as long as the executive is employed by the Company or any successor. However, after May 9, 2020, the Company or the executive has the right to unilaterally terminate the 2017 Severance Agreement upon one year written notice to the other party, so long as the Protected Period is not in effect.

 

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Upon termination of employment by the Company (except for “cause” or upon disability) or by the executive for “good reason” during the Protected Period, the Company will provide the following payments and benefits:

 

Severance Benefit

 

Timing and/or Amount of Payment

Base Salary   Through the date of termination
Cash Bonus under 2014 Key Officers Incentive Plan (KOIP)   Pro-rata incentive award for the year of termination based upon the results achieved under the KOIP for the year
Severance Payments   200% of Base Salary (Base Salary is currently $1,175,000 for Glassman, $550,000 for Flanigan, and $500,000 each for Davis and Dolloff) plus 200% of the executive’s target bonus amount (currently 120% of Base Salary under the KOIP for Glassman, and 80% each for Flanigan, Davis and Dolloff), paid in bi-weekly installments over 24 months
Continued Benefits   Continued health insurance and fringe benefits for 24 months, as permitted by the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), or an equivalent lump sum payment
Additional Retirement Benefits   Lump sum additional retirement benefit based on the actuarial equivalent of an additional 24 months of continuous service

All amounts received by the executive as health insurance or fringe benefits from a new full-time job will reduce the benefits under the 2017 Severance Agreement. However, the executive is not required to mitigate the amount of any termination payment or benefit provided under the agreement. The 2017 Severance Agreements contain a non-competition covenant for two years after the termination date. If violated the Company’s sole remedy is to cease payment of any further benefits.

The disclosure above is only a brief description of the 2017 Severance Agreements and is qualified in its entirety by such agreements with Mr. Glassman, Mr. Flanigan, Mr. Davis and Mr. Dolloff, each of which is attached as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 and 10.4, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference.

Termination of Prior Severance Benefit Agreements

On May 9, 2017, in conjunction with the entry into the 2017 Severance Agreements referenced above, the existing severance benefit agreements with Mr. Glassman, Mr. Flanigan and Mr. Dolloff were terminated. Mr. Davis did not previously have a severance benefit agreement with the Company. Reference is made to (i) the Amended and Restated Severance Benefit Agreement between the Company and Karl G. Glassman, dated March 1, 2013, filed March 6, 2013 as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Form 8-K; (ii) the Severance Benefit Agreement between the Company and Matthew C. Flanigan, dated March 1, 2013, filed March 6, 2013 as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Form 8-K; and (iii) the Amended and Restated Severance Benefit Agreement between the Company and J. Mitchell Dolloff, dated December 30, 2008, filed May 9, 2017 as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q (collectively referred to as the “ Terminated Agreements .”)

Upon a Change in Control of the Company, the Terminated Agreements provided for severance payments and benefits during a “ Protected Period” following the Change in Control. The Protected Period was 30 months for Mr. Glassman, 24 months for Mr. Flanigan and 12 months for Mr. Dolloff.

In general, a Change in Control under the Terminated Agreements was deemed to occur under the same circumstances as described in (i) through (iv) in the “Change in Control” definition paragraph above under the 2017 Severance Agreements; provided a Change in Control occurred under Mr. Dolloff’s agreement with a 25% beneficial owner (as opposed to 40%) and if less than 75% (as opposed to 65%) of the voting securities of the surviving corporation were owned by our former shareholders after a merger or consolidation.

The payments and benefits under the Terminated Agreements were subject to a “double trigger”; that is, they became due only after both (i) a Change in Control of the Company and (ii) the executive officer’s employment was terminated by the Company (except for “cause” or upon disability) or the executive officer terminated his employment for “good reason.”

 

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In general, the executive officer would have “good reason” to terminate his employment if he were required to relocate or experienced a reduction in job responsibilities, compensation or benefits, or if the successor company did not assume the obligations of the Terminated Agreement. The Company could cure the “good reason” for termination within 30 days of receiving notice from the executive. Events considered grounds for termination by the Company for “cause” under the Terminated Agreements were substantially the same or similar as those in the 2017 Severance Agreements described above. The Terminated Agreements had no fixed termination period, but continued as long as the executive was employed by the Company or any successor.

Upon termination of employment by the Company (except for “cause” or upon disability) or by the executive for “good reason” during the Protected Period, the Terminated Agreements would have provided the following payments and benefits:

 

Provision

 

Glassman

 

Flanigan

 

Dolloff

Base Salary   Through the date of termination   Through the date of termination   Through the date of termination
Cash Bonus under 2014 Key Officer’s Incentive Plan (KOIP)   Pro-rata incentive award at the maximum payout level under KOIP for the year of termination   Pro-rata incentive award at the maximum payout level under KOIP for the year of termination   Pro-rata incentive award at the maximum payout level under KOIP for the year of termination
Monthly Severance Payments   250% of Base Salary (Base Salary is currently $1,175,000) plus 250% of the executive’s target bonus amount (currently 120% of Base Salary under KOIP), paid over 30 months   200% of Base Salary (Base Salary is currently $550,000) plus 200% of the executive’s target bonus amount (currently 80% of Base Salary under KOIP), paid over 24 months   100% of Base Salary (Base Salary is currently $500,000) plus 100% of target bonus amount (currently 80% of Base Salary under KOIP), paid over 12 months
Continued Benefits  

Continued health insurance

and fringe benefits for 30 months, as permitted by the IRC, or an equivalent lump sum payment

  Continued health insurance and fringe benefits for 24 months, as permitted by the IRC, or an equivalent lump sum payment   Continued health insurance and fringe benefits for 12 months, as permitted by the IRC

Additional Retirement Benefits

  Lump sum additional retirement benefit based on the actuarial equivalent of an additional 30 months of continuous service   Lump sum additional retirement benefit based on the actuarial equivalent of an additional 24 months of continuous service   Lump sum additional retirement benefit based on the actuarial equivalent of an additional 12 months of continuous service

All amounts received by Mr. Glassman, Mr. Flanigan or Mr. Dolloff as health insurance or fringe benefits from a new full-time job would have reduced the benefits under the Terminated Agreements. However, the executive was not required to mitigate the amount of any termination payment or benefit provided under the agreements. In addition, Mr. Dolloff’s agreement provided that, prior to a Change in Control, the Company could not terminate his employment, other than for “cause” except upon at least three months’ prior notice.

The disclosure above is only a brief description of the Terminated Agreements and is qualified in its entirety by such agreements with Mr. Glassman, Mr. Flanigan and Mr. Dolloff, each of which is listed as Exhibits 10.5, 10.6 and 10.7, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference.

Personal Use of Corporate Aircraft by CEO

On May 8, 2017, the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “ Committee ”) adopted resolutions regarding the personal use of corporate aircraft by Karl G. Glassman, President & CEO. Following the Committee’s comprehensive review of Mr. Glassman’s compensation package and given the location of the Company’s headquarters outside of a major metropolitan area, the Committee extended this perquisite to facilitate the CEO’s schedule and to enable him to more efficiently attend to Company business while

 

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traveling. Mr. Glassman’s use of corporate aircraft for personal travel by him and his guests, subject to the aircraft not being scheduled for business purposes, is subject to an annual limit of $100,000 in aggregate incremental cost to the Company, including the cost of “deadhead” flights necessitated by such personal use. The Company will not provide tax reimbursements to Mr. Glassman for any taxes arising from imputed income relating to his use of the corporate aircraft for personal travel by him or his guests. The Description of Personal Use of Corporate Aircraft by Karl G. Glassman is attached as Exhibit 10.8 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Employment Agreements Expire by their Stated Terms

Mr. Glassman and Mr. Flanigan each entered into employment agreements with the Company on March 1, 2013. Each employment agreement expired, by its stated terms, on the date of the 2017 annual shareholder meeting, which was held May 9, 2017. Reference is made to (i) the Employment Agreement between the Company and Karl G. Glassman, dated March 1, 2013, filed March 6, 2013 as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K, and (ii) the Employment Agreement between the Company and Matthew C. Flanigan, dated March 1, 2013, filed March 6, 2013 as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 8-K.

 

Item 5.07 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

The Company held its annual meeting of shareholders on May 9, 2017. In connection with this meeting, proxies were solicited pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Matters voted upon were (i) the election of nine directors; (ii) the ratification of the Audit Committee’s selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2017; (iii) an advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation as described in the Proxy Statement; and (iv) an advisory vote concerning the frequency of future advisory votes on named executive officer compensation. The number of votes cast for and against, as well as abstentions and broker non-votes, with respect to each matter, as applicable, are set out below.

1. Proposal One: Election of Directors .  All nine nominees for director listed in the Proxy Statement were elected to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are elected and qualified, with the following vote:

 

DIRECTOR NOMINEE   FOR     AGAINST     ABSTAIN     BROKER
NON-VOTE
 
Robert E. Brunner     97,251,753       1,913,888       120,718       17,725,242  
Robert G. Culp, III     93,295,882       5,871,045       119,432       17,725,242  
R. Ted Enloe, III     81,718,381       17,448,657       119,321       17,725,242  
Manuel A. Fernandez     97,163,817       2,010,796       111,746       17,725,242  
Matthew C. Flanigan     95,628,377       3,526,790       131,192       17,725,242  
Karl G. Glassman     98,805,756       342,037       138,566       17,725,242  
Joseph W. McClanathan     92,999,764       6,166,453       120,142       17,725,242  
Judy C. Odom     94,699,337       4,474,319       112,703       17,725,242  
Phoebe A. Wood     96,200,201       2,984,014       102,144       17,725,242  

2. Proposal Two: Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . The ratification of the Audit Committee’s selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2017 was approved with the following vote:

 

FOR

 

AGAINST

 

ABSTAIN

 

BROKER

NON-VOTE

110,730,828   6,114,579   166,194   N/A

 

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3. Proposal Three: Advisory Vote to Approve Named Executive Officer Compensation .  The advisory vote to approve the Company’s named executive officer compensation package as described in the “Executive Compensation and Related Matters” section of the Company’s Proxy Statement (commonly known as “Say-on-Pay”) consisted of the following:

 

FOR

 

AGAINST

 

ABSTAIN

 

BROKER

NON-VOTE

92,318,884   5,827,526   1,139,763   17,725,428

4. Proposal Four: Frequency of Future Advisory Votes on Named Executive Officer Compensation . The advisory vote concerning the frequency of future Say-on-Pay votes on named executive officer compensation consisted of the following:

 

Every

1 YEAR

 

Every

2 YEARS

 

Every

3 YEARS

 

ABSTAIN

 

BROKER

NON-VOTE

86,069,301   1,721,617   10,525,388   969,867   17,725,428

In light of this vote, the Board determined to include a Say-on-Pay advisory vote in its proxy materials annually, until the next annual meeting at which an advisory vote on the frequency of Say-on-Pay votes is conducted.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits .

 

Exhibit

No.

  

Description

10.1*    Severance Benefit Agreement between the Company and Karl G. Glassman, dated May 9, 2017
10.2*    Severance Benefit Agreement between the Company and Matthew C. Flanigan, dated May 9, 2017
10.3*    Severance Benefit Agreement between the Company and Perry E. Davis, dated May 9, 2017
10.4*    Severance Benefit Agreement between the Company and J. Mitchell Dolloff, dated May 9, 2017
10.5    Amended and Restated Severance Benefit Agreement between the Company and Karl G. Glassman, dated March 1, 2013, filed March 6, 2013 as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Form 8-K, is incorporated by reference. (SEC File No. 001-07845)
10.6    Severance Benefit Agreement between the Company and Matthew C. Flanigan, dated March 1, 2013, filed March 6, 2013 as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Form 8-K, is incorporated by reference. (SEC File No. 001-07845)
10.7    Amended and Restated Severance Benefit Agreement between the Company and J. Mitchell Dolloff, dated December 30, 2008, filed May 9, 2017 as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q, is incorporated by reference. (SEC File No. 001-07845)
10.8*    Description of Personal Use of Corporate Aircraft by Karl G. Glassman

 

* Denotes filed herewith.

 

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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.

 

    LEGGETT & PLATT, INCORPORATED
Date: May 11, 2017     By:  

/s/    S COTT S. D OUGLAS        

      Scott S. Douglas
      Senior Vice President –
      General Counsel & Secretary

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

No.

  

Description

10.1*    Severance Benefit Agreement between the Company and Karl G. Glassman, dated May 9, 2017
10.2*    Severance Benefit Agreement between the Company and Matthew C. Flanigan, dated May 9, 2017
10.3*    Severance Benefit Agreement between the Company and Perry E. Davis, dated May 9, 2017
10.4*    Severance Benefit Agreement between the Company and J. Mitchell Dolloff, dated May 9, 2017
10.5    Amended and Restated Severance Benefit Agreement between the Company and Karl G. Glassman, dated March 1, 2013, filed March 6, 2013 as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Form 8-K, is incorporated by reference. (SEC File No. 001-07845)
10.6    Severance Benefit Agreement between the Company and Matthew C. Flanigan, dated March 1, 2013, filed March 6, 2013 as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Form 8-K, is incorporated by reference. (SEC File No. 001-07845)
10.7    Amended and Restated Severance Benefit Agreement between the Company and J. Mitchell Dolloff, dated December 30, 2008, filed May 9, 2017 as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q, is incorporated by reference. (SEC File No. 001-07845)
10.8*    Description of Personal Use of Corporate Aircraft by Karl G. Glassman

 

* Denotes filed herewith.

 

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Exhibit 10.1

SEVERANCE BENEFIT AGREEMENT

This Severance Benefit Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) is made as of May 9, 2017 between Leggett & Platt, Incorporated, 1 Leggett Road, Carthage, Missouri 64836 (the “ Company ”) and Karl G. Glassman (the “ Executive ”), residing at [executive’s personal residence].

RECITALS

The Executive functions as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company on the date hereof and is one of the key employees of the Company.

The Company considers the maintenance of sound and vital management essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. In this connection, the Company recognizes that in today’s business environment the possibility of a change in control of the Company may exist in the future. The Company further recognizes that such possibility, and the uncertainty which it may raise among key executives, could result in the departure or distraction of key executives to the detriment of the Company and its shareholders.

Accordingly, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) has determined that appropriate steps should be taken (i) to further induce the Executive to remain with the Company and (ii) to reinforce and encourage the continued attention and dedication of the Executive to his assigned duties without distraction in the face of potentially disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a change in control of the Company.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Executive agree as follows:

 

1. Change in Control.

1.1 Change in Control . The Company shall be required to provide certain benefits to the Executive to the extent required under the terms of this Agreement following each and every “ Change in Control ” of the Company.

1.2 Definition . A “ Change in Control ” of the Company shall be deemed to have occurred if:

(a) There is any change in control as contemplated by (i) Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A, Regulation 14A, promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”) or (ii) Item 5.01 of Form 8-K promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act; or

 

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(b) Any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of 40% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities; or

(c) Those persons serving as directors of the Company on the date of this Agreement (the “ Original Directors ”) and/or their Successors do not constitute a majority of the whole Board of Directors of the Company (the term “ Successors ” shall mean those directors whose election or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders has been approved by the vote of at least two-thirds of the Original Directors and previously qualified Successors serving as directors of the Company at the time of such election or nomination for election); or

(d) The Company shall be a party to a merger or consolidation with another corporation and as a result of such merger or consolidation, less than 65% of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving or resulting corporation shall be owned in the aggregate by the former shareholders of the Company as the same shall have existed immediately prior to such merger or consolidation; or

(e) The Company liquidates, sells, or otherwise transfers all or substantially all of its assets to a person not controlled by the Company both immediately prior to and immediately after such sale; or

(f) The Company (i) enters into an agreement, including a letter of intent, which contemplates the occurrence of a Change of Control (as described in Subsections 1.2(a)-(e)) or (ii) the Company or any person publicly announces an intention to take actions which, if consummated, would result in a Change in Control (as described in Subsections 1.2(a)-(e)). A Change in Control under this Subsection 1.2(f) will no longer be in effect once the Board adopts a resolution making a good faith determination that a Change in Control under this Subsection 1.2(f) is no longer pending (except that such a resolution shall not be effective against a termination by the Executive under Section 2.4 prior to the Board adopting the resolution).

 

2. Termination of Employment Following a Change in Control

2.1 General . During the 24 month period immediately following each and every Change in Control (the “ Protected Period ”), the Executive and the Company shall comply with all provisions of this Section 2 regarding termination of the Executive’s employment. This Agreement shall have no application to any termination of the Executive’s employment outside the Protected Period.

2.2 Termination for Total Disability . The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment during the Protected Period due to the Executive’s Total Disability. “ Total Disability ” means the Executive’s inability to perform substantially all of his material duties with the Company for a continuous period of six or more months due to illness or injury. During any period prior to his termination of employment that the Executive is unable to substantially perform his duties with the Company as a result of illness or injury, the Company shall continue to pay the Executive his full base salary at the rate then in effect and any bonuses earned by the

 

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Executive under Company bonus plans until such time as the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Total Disability. In no event, however, shall such period of continued pay and bonus exceed 29 consecutive months. Following termination of employment under this Section 2.2, the Executive’s benefits shall be determined in accordance with the Company’s long term disability program as in effect on the date hereof, or any successor program then in effect.

2.3 Termination by Company for Cause . The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment during the Protected Period for “ Cause ,” which shall be limited to the following:

(a) The Executive’s conviction of any crime involving money or other property of the Company or any of its affiliates (including entering any plea bargain admitting criminal guilt), or a conviction of any other crime (whether or not involving the Company or any of its affiliates) that constitutes a felony in the jurisdiction involved; or

(b) The Executive’s willful breach of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct (or any successor policy) which causes significant injury to the Company; or

(c) The Executive’s willful breach of the Company’s Financial Code of Ethics (or any successor policy) which causes significant injury to the Company; or

(d) The Executive’s willful act or omission involving fraud, misappropriation, or dishonesty that (i) causes significant injury to the Company or (ii) results in a material personal enrichment to the Executive at the expense of the Company; or

(e) The Executive’s willful violation of specific written directions of the Board provided that such directions are consistent with this Agreement and the Executive’s duties and do not constitute Company Action as defined in Section 2.4, and provided that such violation continues following the Executive’s receipt of written notice by the Board specifying the specific acts or omissions alleged to constitute such violation and such violation continues after affording the Executive reasonable opportunity to remedy such failure after receipt of such notice; or

(f) The Executive’s continued, repeated, willful failure to substantially perform his duties; provided, however, that no discharge shall be deemed for Cause under this subsection (f) unless the Executive first receives written notice from the Board advising the Executive of specific acts or omissions alleged to constitute a failure to perform his duties, and such failure continues after the Executive has had a reasonable opportunity to correct the acts or omissions so complained of.

No act or failure to act on the Executive’s part shall be considered “ willful ” unless done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive without reasonable belief that his action or omission was in the best interest of the Company. Moreover, the Executive’s employment shall not be terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a Notice of Termination duly adopted by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the directors of the Board at a meeting of the Board (after reasonable notice to the Executive and an opportunity for the Executive, together with his counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board the Executive was in violation of Section 2.3(a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f) and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

 

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A termination shall not be deemed for Cause if, for example, the termination results from the Company’s determination that the Executive’s position is redundant or unnecessary or that the Executive’s performance is unsatisfactory or if the termination stems from the Executive’s refusal to agree to or accept any Company Action described in Section 2.4.

2.4 Termination by Executive for Good Reason . The Executive may terminate his employment during the Protected Period for “ Good Reason ” by giving notice of termination to the Company following (i) any Company Action or (ii) receipt of notice from the Company of the Company’s intention to take any such Company Action.

Company Actions ” which may lead to a termination of employment for Good Reason (collectively and severally) are as follows:

(a) A reduction by the Company in the Executive’s base salary as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control; or

(b) A change in the Executive’s reporting responsibilities, titles or offices as in effect immediately prior to a Change in Control that results in a material diminution within the Company of title, authority or responsibility; or

(c) The assignment to the Executive of any duties or responsibilities that, in any material aspect, are inconsistent with the Executive’s duties and responsibilities with the Company immediately prior to the Change in Control; or

(d) A material reduction in target annual incentive opportunity as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control, expressed as a percentage of base salary; or

(e) A requirement by the Company that the Executive be based or perform his duties more than 50 miles from his principal work location immediately prior to the Change in Control, except for required travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with the Executive’s business travel obligations immediately prior to the Change in Control or, if the Executive consents in writing to any relocation, the failure by the Company to pay (or reimburse the Executive for) all reasonable expenses incurred by him relating to a change of his principal residence in connection with such relocation; or

(f) A material reduction in annual target value of long-term incentive awards as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control (with the value determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards); or

(g) A failure by the Company to obtain the assumption agreement to perform this Agreement by any successor as contemplated by Section 6 of this Agreement; or

 

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(i) Any purported termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company for Total Disability or for Cause that is not carried out (i) pursuant to a Notice of Termination which satisfies the requirements of Section 2.5 and (ii) in accordance with Section 2.3, if applicable; and for purposes of this Agreement, no such purported termination shall be effective.

2.5 Notice of Termination . Any purported termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment during the Protected Period shall be communicated by a written “ Notice of Termination ” delivered to the other party.

(a) A Notice of Termination by the Company under Section 2.2 (Total Disability) or 2.3 (for Cause) shall set forth, in reasonable detail, the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of employment under the applicable Section.

(b) A Notice of Termination by the Executive under Section 2.4 (Good Reason) shall be delivered no later than 90 days from the date of the Company Actions upon which the termination is based and shall set forth, in reasonable detail, the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of employment.

2.6 Date of Termination . The date the Executive’s employment is terminated under Section 2 of this Agreement is the “ Date of Termination .” In cases of Total Disability, the Date of Termination shall be 30 days after Notice of Termination is delivered (provided that the Executive shall not have returned to the performance of his duties on a full-time basis during such 30 day period). If the Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause, the Date of Termination shall be the date specified in the Notice of Termination. If the Executive’s employment is terminated for Good Reason, the Date of Termination shall be the date specified in the Notice of Termination, which shall be between 30 and 60 days following delivery of the Notice of Termination; provided, if, within 30 days of receipt of such notice, the Company takes such appropriate actions as are necessary to correct, reverse or cure the Company Actions that the Executive identifies as causing Good Reason, then no Good Reason shall have occurred and the Notice of Termination shall be deemed withdrawn. For any other termination by the Company or the Executive, the Date of Termination shall be 30 days after the Notice of Termination is delivered.

Any dispute by a party hereto regarding a Notice of Termination delivered to such party must be conveyed to the other party within 30 days after the Notice of Termination is given. If the particulars of the dispute are not conveyed within the 30 day period, then the disputing party’s claims regarding the Notice of Termination shall be forever deemed waived.

 

3. Benefits upon Termination of Employment

3.1 General . If, during the Protected Period following each Change in Control, the Executive’s employment is terminated either (i) by the Company (other than for Total Disability or Cause) or (ii) by the Executive for Good Reason, then the Executive shall be entitled to the benefits provided in this Section 3 (collectively and severally “ Termination Benefits ”). The Company’s obligation to pay the Termination Benefits are subject to Executive’s compliance with Section 5 (Non-Competition) and Section 7.9 (Release).

 

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3.2 Base Salary Through Date of Termination . The Company shall pay the Executive his full base salary through the Date of Termination under the Company’s regular payroll procedures and at the rate in effect at the time notice of termination is given. The Company shall give the Executive credit for any vacation earned but not taken and pay such amount at the time that any bonus is paid under Section 3.3.

3.3 Pro Rata Bonus for Year of Termination . The Company shall pay the Executive a bonus under the Company’s Key Officers Incentive Plan (together with any successor plans, the “ Bonus Plan ”) for the year in which his employment terminates, which bonus shall be (i) based upon the results achieved for the Company or applicable profit centers under the Bonus Plan for the year and (ii) prorated for the number of days during the year prior to the Date of Termination. Such amount shall be paid when bonuses are required to be paid under the Bonus Plan but not before 6 months after the Executive’s termination of employment, if and to the extent required to avoid a tax under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “ Code ”).

3.4 Severance Payments . The Company shall pay the Executive:

(a) aggregate severance payments equal to 200% of his annual base salary in effect at the time of the Change in Control, plus

(b) additional aggregate severance payments equal to 200% of the Executive’s target bonus amount (which is expressed as a percentage of his annual base salary and is currently 120%) in effect at the time of the Change in Control under the Bonus Plan.

The severance payments in subsection (a) and subsection (b) shall each be made in equal, consecutive bi-weekly installments over the course of 24 months following the Date of Termination.

3.5 Welfare Plans and Fringe Benefits .

(a) For purposes of this Section 3.5, welfare plans and fringe benefit programs include health, disability, life, salary continuance prior to disability, automobile usage, and any other fringe benefit or welfare plan arrangement in which the Executive was entitled to participate immediately prior to the Date of Termination.

(b) The Company shall maintain in full force, for the continued benefit of the Executive for 24 months after the Date of Termination, at the same cost to the Executive as is charged to similarly situated active employees, all welfare plans and fringe benefit programs (including health plan, disability insurance, and life insurance, including any applicable spouse and eligible dependent coverage) that the Company is able to provide under the terms of its plans, programs, and applicable policies and that may be provided to the Executive as a former employee on a tax-free basis under the Code and without the

 

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Company incurring a tax under Code Section 4980D; provided, however, that the Company may require the Executive to elect coverage pursuant to COBRA as condition to continuing medical plan coverage, if and to the extent the Executive is eligible for COBRA.

(c) To the extent that any welfare plan or fringe benefit program cannot be maintained under Section 3.5(b) on a tax-free basis to the Executive under the applicable provisions of the Code, the Company shall maintain such benefits that the Company is able to provide under the terms of its plans, programs, and applicable policies without the Company incurring a tax under Code Section 4980D, at the same cost to the Executive as is charged to similarly situated active employees, for the period, if any, that is recognized under Code Section 409A as not resulting in a deferral of compensation, but in no event beyond 24 months.

(d) To the extent any welfare plan or fringe benefit program cannot be provided for 24 months from the Date of Termination under Sections 3.5(b) and (c), the Executive shall be entitled to bi-weekly cash payments that equal (i) the Company’s cost of coverage in the case of welfare plans and (ii) the premiums, if any, in the case of fringe benefit programs, and (iii) the value of any other benefits that would have been provided during such period. At the close of the 24 month period, any assignable insurance policy owned by the Company and relating solely to the Executive shall be assigned to the Executive.

3.6 Retirement Plans .

(a) The Company shall pay the Executive an “ Additional Retirement Benefit ” equal to the additional benefit the Executive would have been entitled to under the Company’s Retirement Plans in effect immediately prior to a Change in Control had the Executive accumulated 24 additional months of continuous service (following the Date of Termination) under such Retirement Plans both for purposes of determining eligibility for benefits and for purposes of calculating the Additional Retirement Benefit. If any Retirement Plan requires contributions by participants, the Additional Retirement Benefit shall be reduced to reflect the absence of contributions by the Executive and any matching contribution that would be contingent upon the Executive’s contributions shall be calculated as if the Executive made the maximum contribution allowable under the terms of such Retirement Plan. Where the Executive’s contribution for a given Retirement Plan is calculated by reference to salary and/or bonus, the Additional Retirement Benefit shall be calculated by reference to the Executive’s annual salary in effect on the Date of Termination and the bonus payout percentage achieved for the year of service preceding the Date of Termination, without adjustment for any future year increases that may have occurred absent the termination.

(b) For purposes of this Section 3.6, “ Retirement Plans ” are (i) any savings or retirement plan sponsored by the Company that is intended to be tax-qualified under Code section 401(a), and any arrangements that make up benefits that are not provided under such tax-qualified plans because of compensation or benefit limits under the terms

 

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of such plans or the Code, (ii) the Executive Stock Unit Program, and (iii) any deferred compensation program in which the Executive participates that is adopted after the effective date of this agreement that is intended to provide for retirement savings. For any Retirement Plan that is a defined benefit pension plan, the Additional Retirement Benefit shall be determined using the same interest rate and mortality factor that apply for determining actuarial equivalence in the applicable plans.

3.7 Termination Which Does Not Require Payment of Termination Benefits . No Termination Benefits shall be provided by the Company to the Executive under this Section 3 if the Executive’s employment is terminated:

(a) By his death; or

(b) By the Executive other than for Good Reason; or

(c) By the Company for Total Disability or for Cause under this Agreement.

3.8 Modified Cutback . If the Executive is entitled to Termination Benefits under this Agreement and other payments and/or benefits in connection with a change of ownership or effective control of the Company covered by §280G of the Code, as amended (collectively the “ Company Payments ”), and if such Company Payments would otherwise equal or exceed 300% of the Executive’s base amount as defined in §280G(b)(3) of the Code (the “ Threshold Amount ”), then the amount of the Company Payments will be reduced to an amount that is less than such Threshold Amount, but only if and to the extent such reduction will also result in, after taking into account all taxes, including any income taxes (together with any interest or penalties thereon) and any excise tax pursuant to Code §4999, a greater after-tax benefit to the Executive than the after-tax benefit to the Executive of the Company Payments computed without regard to any such reduction. If Company Payments must be reduced, the order of reduction shall be in accordance with Code Section 409A and unless otherwise required to satisfy Code Section 409A, (a) the amount of severance payable to the Executive under Section 3.4 of this Agreement shall be subject to reduction first, followed by payments under Section 3.5 of this Agreement, followed by cash payments under Section 3.6 of this Agreement, followed by any other cash payments that are not attributable to accelerated vesting or payment of Company stock, stock units or stock options, followed by payments under this Agreement that are not subject to Section 409A, followed by payments that are attributable to accelerated vesting or payment of Company stock, stock units or stock options, and (b) subject to the order of reductions specified in Subsection (a), the payments that would otherwise be made latest in time shall be reduced first and payments that would be otherwise be made at the same time shall be reduced pro rata.

To the extent requested by the Executive, the Company shall cooperate with the Executive in valuing services provided by the Executive (including, without limitation, the Executive refraining from performing services pursuant to a covenant not compete) before, on or after a change in ownership or control of the Company (within the meaning of §280G of the Code), such that payments in respect of such services may be considered reasonable compensation and/or exempt from the definition of “parachute payment” within §280G of the Code.

 

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4. No Obligation to Mitigate

The Termination Benefits provided under Section 3 shall not be treated as damages, but rather shall be treated as severance compensation to which the Executive is entitled. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any Termination Benefit provided under Section 3 by seeking other employment or otherwise; provided, however, any health welfare and fringe benefits that the Executive may receive from full time employment by a third person shall be applied against and reduce any such benefits thereafter to be made available to the Executive under Section 3.5.

 

5. Non-Competition

For two years after the Termination Date, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly (i) engage in any Competitive Activity, (ii) solicit orders from or seek or propose to do business with any customer of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates (collectively, the “ Companies ”) relating to any Competitive Activity, or (iii) influence or attempt to influence any employee, representative or advisor of the Companies to terminate his or her employment or relationship with the Companies. “ Competitive Activity ” means any manufacture, sale, distribution, engineering, design, promotion or other activity that competes with any business of the Companies in which the Executive was involved as an employee, consultant or agent.

If the Executive violates the preceding paragraph, then the Company’s sole remedy shall be to cease payment of any further Termination Benefits after the date of such violation. If any restriction in this Section is deemed unenforceable, then the parties contemplate that the appropriate court will reduce the scope or other provisions and enforce the restrictions set out in this section in their reduced form.

The restrictive covenants in this Section are in addition to any other restrictive covenants of the Executive, and are not in lieu of or modifications to such other restrictive covenants.

 

6. Timing of Payments

The taxable payments and taxable benefits in Sections 3.4 and 3.5 shall commence 6 months after the Date of Termination, at which date he shall receive a lump sum of installments and benefits which accrued from the Date of Termination through the date of such lump sum payment. Additional Retirement Benefits under Section 3.6 shall be paid in a lump sum 6 months after the Date of Termination; provided, however, that in the case of a Retirement Plan that is not a tax-qualified plan, payment shall be made at such later date or event that is specified in such plan if the payment time or event is one described in Code Section 409A(a)(2)(A). Any coverage and benefits pursuant to Section 3.5 that are not taxable to the Executive shall commence within 60 days following the Date of Termination and the coverage or benefits shall be retroactive to the Date of Termination.

 

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7. Successor; Binding Agreement

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 expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. The assumption shall be by agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Executive. Failure of the Company to obtain such agreement prior to the effectiveness of any such succession shall entitle the Executive to terminate his employment for Good Reason as provided in Section 2.4(h). As used in the Agreement “ Company ” means the Company as previously defined and any successor to its business and/or assets which executes and delivers the agreement provided for in this Section 7 or which otherwise becomes bound by all the terms and provisions of this Agreement by operation of law.

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributes, devisees and legatees, but the Executive may not assign this Agreement. If the Executive should die while any amount would still be payable to him hereunder if he had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to his devisee, legatee or other designee or, if there be no such designee, to his estate.

 

8. Miscellaneous

8.1 Notice . All notices, elections, waivers and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed by United States certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses set forth on the first page of this Agreement, or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

8.2 No Waiver . No provisions of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing, signed by the Executive and an officer of the Company. No waiver by either party at any time of any breach by the other party of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement.

8.3 Enforceability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

8.4 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Missouri.

 

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8.5 Disputes. Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules procedures of the American Arbitration Association. If, at any time after 90 days from the Date of Termination, the Executive and the Company have not resolved any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement, either the Executive or the Company may notify the other of an intent to seek arbitration. Arbitration shall occur before a single arbitrator in the State of Missouri; provided, however, that if the parties cannot agree on the selection of such arbitrator within 30 days after the matter is referred to arbitration, each party shall select one arbitrator and those arbitrators shall jointly designate a third arbitrator to comprise a panel of three arbitrators. The decision of the arbitrator shall be rendered in writing, shall be final, and may be entered as a judgment in any court in the State of Missouri. The Company and the Executive each irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of the federal and state courts located in the State of Missouri for this purpose. The Company shall pay, within 30 days of receipt of the arbitrator’s decision, all costs and expenses in connection with any arbitration under this Section 8.5, including without limitation all reasonable legal fees incurred by Executive in connection with such arbitration; provided, however, the Company shall not be obligated to pay unless the Executive prevails on the majority of the dollar amount at issue in the dispute.

8.6 Sections; Captions . All references in this Agreement to Sections refer to the applicable Sections of this Agreement. References in this Agreement to a given Section ( e.g ., Section 3) shall, unless the context requires otherwise, refer to all parts of such Section. The captions have been placed in this Agreement for ease of reference only. They shall not be used in the interpretation of this Agreement.

8.7 Term of Agreement . This Agreement shall continue in force so long as the Executive remains employed by the Company or any successor and shall apply to any Change in Control that occurs while the Executive remains so employed; provided, however, (i) the Agreement may be modified by the mutual agreement of the parties from time to time, including modifications to take into account changes in law, and (ii) after May 9, 2020, the Company or the Executive shall have the right to unilaterally terminate this Agreement upon 1 year written notice to the other party, so long as a Protected Period is not in effect.

8.8 Limited Right of Offset . Effective upon a Change in Control, the Company waives, and will not assert, any right to set off the amount of any claims, liabilities, damages or losses the Company may have against the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise if (i) the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause, or (ii) the Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason.

8.9. Release . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Executive shall receive payments and benefits under this Agreement only if the Executive timely executes, returns to the Company, and does not revoke a release and covenant not to sue agreement, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Executive and the Company’s legal counsel. The Company shall provide such agreement to the Executive in sufficient time so that if the Executive executes and returns the agreement to the Company within the time period permitted by the Company, the revocation period provided in the agreement will expire before the payments and benefits under this Agreement are required to commence pursuant to Section 6.

 

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8.10 Successive Changes in Control . A separate Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred with each occurrence of any event described in subsections (a) through (f) of Section 1.2. This Agreement pertains to each and every Change in Control, including successive Changes in Control involving the same controlling person(s).

8.11 Interpretation of Agreement and Application of Code Section 409A . This Agreement is intended to conform to the requirements of Code Section 409A and shall be interpreted accordingly. For such purposes, any stream of payments due under this Agreement shall be treated as a series of separate payments. The Executive shall be deemed to have terminated employment for purposes of this Agreement only if he has incurred a termination of employment that constitutes a “separation for service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A.

8.12 Withholding . The Company may withhold all federal, state, and local income and employment taxes relating to Termination Benefits as required under applicable laws and regulations.

8.13 Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Severance Benefit Agreement between the Company and the Executive dated March 1, 2013 is hereby terminated and superseded by this Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been signed as of the day and year first above written.

 

EXECUTIVE:     LEGGETT & PLATT, INCORPORATED

/s/ K ARL G. G LASSMAN

    By:  

/s/ R. T ED E NLOE , III

Karl G. Glassman       R. Ted Enloe, III
      Board Chair

 

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Exhibit 10.2

SEVERANCE BENEFIT AGREEMENT

This Severance Benefit Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) is made as of May 9, 2017 between Leggett & Platt, Incorporated, 1 Leggett Road, Carthage, Missouri 64836 (the “ Company ”) and Matthew C. Flanigan (the “ Executive ”), residing at [executive’s personal residence].

RECITALS

The Executive functions as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company on the date hereof and is one of the key employees of the Company.

The Company considers the maintenance of sound and vital management essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. In this connection, the Company recognizes that in today’s business environment the possibility of a change in control of the Company may exist in the future. The Company further recognizes that such possibility, and the uncertainty which it may raise among key executives, could result in the departure or distraction of key executives to the detriment of the Company and its shareholders.

Accordingly, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) has determined that appropriate steps should be taken (i) to further induce the Executive to remain with the Company and (ii) to reinforce and encourage the continued attention and dedication of the Executive to his assigned duties without distraction in the face of potentially disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a change in control of the Company.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Executive agree as follows:

 

1. Change in Control.

1.1 Change in Control . The Company shall be required to provide certain benefits to the Executive to the extent required under the terms of this Agreement following each and every “ Change in Control ” of the Company.

1.2 Definition . A “ Change in Control ” of the Company shall be deemed to have occurred if:

(a) There is any change in control as contemplated by (i) Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A, Regulation 14A, promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”) or (ii) Item 5.01 of Form 8-K promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act; or

(b) Any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of 40% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities; or

 

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(c) Those persons serving as directors of the Company on the date of this Agreement (the “ Original Directors ”) and/or their Successors do not constitute a majority of the whole Board of Directors of the Company (the term “ Successors ” shall mean those directors whose election or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders has been approved by the vote of at least two-thirds of the Original Directors and previously qualified Successors serving as directors of the Company at the time of such election or nomination for election); or

(d) The Company shall be a party to a merger or consolidation with another corporation and as a result of such merger or consolidation, less than 65% of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving or resulting corporation shall be owned in the aggregate by the former shareholders of the Company as the same shall have existed immediately prior to such merger or consolidation; or

(e) The Company liquidates, sells, or otherwise transfers all or substantially all of its assets to a person not controlled by the Company both immediately prior to and immediately after such sale; or

(f) The Company (i) enters into an agreement, including a letter of intent, which contemplates the occurrence of a Change of Control (as described in Subsections 1.2(a)-(e)) or (ii) the Company or any person publicly announces an intention to take actions which, if consummated, would result in a Change in Control (as described in Subsections 1.2(a)-(e)). A Change in Control under this Subsection 1.2(f) will no longer be in effect once the Board adopts a resolution making a good faith determination that a Change in Control under this Subsection 1.2(f) is no longer pending (except that such a resolution shall not be effective against a termination by the Executive under Section 2.4 prior to the Board adopting the resolution).

 

2. Termination of Employment Following a Change in Control

2.1 General . During the 24 month period immediately following each and every Change in Control (the “ Protected Period ”), the Executive and the Company shall comply with all provisions of this Section 2 regarding termination of the Executive’s employment. This Agreement shall have no application to any termination of the Executive’s employment outside the Protected Period.

2.2 Termination for Total Disability . The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment during the Protected Period due to the Executive’s Total Disability. “ Total Disability ” means the Executive’s inability to perform substantially all of his material duties with the Company for a continuous period of six or more months due to illness or injury. During any period prior to his termination of employment that the Executive is unable to substantially perform his duties with the Company as a result of illness or injury, the Company shall continue to pay the Executive his full base salary at the rate then in effect and any bonuses earned by the

 

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Executive under Company bonus plans until such time as the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Total Disability. In no event, however, shall such period of continued pay and bonus exceed 29 consecutive months. Following termination of employment under this Section 2.2, the Executive’s benefits shall be determined in accordance with the Company’s long term disability program as in effect on the date hereof, or any successor program then in effect.

2.3 Termination by Company for Cause . The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment during the Protected Period for “ Cause ,” which shall be limited to the following:

(a) The Executive’s conviction of any crime involving money or other property of the Company or any of its affiliates (including entering any plea bargain admitting criminal guilt), or a conviction of any other crime (whether or not involving the Company or any of its affiliates) that constitutes a felony in the jurisdiction involved; or

(b) The Executive’s willful breach of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct (or any successor policy) which causes significant injury to the Company; or

(c) The Executive’s willful breach of the Company’s Financial Code of Ethics (or any successor policy) which causes significant injury to the Company; or

(d) The Executive’s willful act or omission involving fraud, misappropriation, or dishonesty that (i) causes significant injury to the Company or (ii) results in a material personal enrichment to the Executive at the expense of the Company; or

(e) The Executive’s willful violation of specific written directions of the Board provided that such directions are consistent with this Agreement and the Executive’s duties and do not constitute Company Action as defined in Section 2.4, and provided that such violation continues following the Executive’s receipt of written notice by the Board specifying the specific acts or omissions alleged to constitute such violation and such violation continues after affording the Executive reasonable opportunity to remedy such failure after receipt of such notice; or

(f) The Executive’s continued, repeated, willful failure to substantially perform his duties; provided, however, that no discharge shall be deemed for Cause under this subsection (f) unless the Executive first receives written notice from the Board advising the Executive of specific acts or omissions alleged to constitute a failure to perform his duties, and such failure continues after the Executive has had a reasonable opportunity to correct the acts or omissions so complained of.

No act or failure to act on the Executive’s part shall be considered “ willful ” unless done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive without reasonable belief that his action or omission was in the best interest of the Company. Moreover, the Executive’s employment shall not be terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a Notice of Termination duly adopted by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the directors of the Board at a meeting of the Board (after reasonable notice to the Executive and an opportunity for the Executive, together with his counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board the Executive was in violation of Section 2.3(a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f) and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

 

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A termination shall not be deemed for Cause if, for example, the termination results from the Company’s determination that the Executive’s position is redundant or unnecessary or that the Executive’s performance is unsatisfactory or if the termination stems from the Executive’s refusal to agree to or accept any Company Action described in Section 2.4.

2.4 Termination by Executive for Good Reason . The Executive may terminate his employment during the Protected Period for “ Good Reason ” by giving notice of termination to the Company following (i) any Company Action or (ii) receipt of notice from the Company of the Company’s intention to take any such Company Action.

Company Actions ” which may lead to a termination of employment for Good Reason (collectively and severally) are as follows:

(a) A reduction by the Company in the Executive’s base salary as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control; or

(b) A change in the Executive’s reporting responsibilities, titles or offices as in effect immediately prior to a Change in Control that results in a material diminution within the Company of title, authority or responsibility; or

(c) The assignment to the Executive of any duties or responsibilities that, in any material aspect, are inconsistent with the Executive’s duties and responsibilities with the Company immediately prior to the Change in Control; or

(d) A material reduction in target annual incentive opportunity as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control, expressed as a percentage of base salary; or

(e) A requirement by the Company that the Executive be based or perform his duties more than 50 miles from his principal work location immediately prior to the Change in Control, except for required travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with the Executive’s business travel obligations immediately prior to the Change in Control or, if the Executive consents in writing to any relocation, the failure by the Company to pay (or reimburse the Executive for) all reasonable expenses incurred by him relating to a change of his principal residence in connection with such relocation; or

(f) A material reduction in annual target value of long-term incentive awards as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control (with the value determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards); or

(g) A failure by the Company to obtain the assumption agreement to perform this Agreement by any successor as contemplated by Section 6 of this Agreement; or

 

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(i) Any purported termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company for Total Disability or for Cause that is not carried out (i) pursuant to a Notice of Termination which satisfies the requirements of Section 2.5 and (ii) in accordance with Section 2.3, if applicable; and for purposes of this Agreement, no such purported termination shall be effective.

2.5 Notice of Termination . Any purported termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment during the Protected Period shall be communicated by a written “ Notice of Termination ” delivered to the other party.

(a) A Notice of Termination by the Company under Section 2.2 (Total Disability) or 2.3 (for Cause) shall set forth, in reasonable detail, the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of employment under the applicable Section.

(b) A Notice of Termination by the Executive under Section 2.4 (Good Reason) shall be delivered no later than 90 days from the date of the Company Actions upon which the termination is based and shall set forth, in reasonable detail, the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of employment.

2.6 Date of Termination . The date the Executive’s employment is terminated under Section 2 of this Agreement is the “ Date of Termination .” In cases of Total Disability, the Date of Termination shall be 30 days after Notice of Termination is delivered (provided that the Executive shall not have returned to the performance of his duties on a full-time basis during such 30 day period). If the Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause, the Date of Termination shall be the date specified in the Notice of Termination. If the Executive’s employment is terminated for Good Reason, the Date of Termination shall be the date specified in the Notice of Termination, which shall be between 30 and 60 days following delivery of the Notice of Termination; provided, if, within 30 days of receipt of such notice, the Company takes such appropriate actions as are necessary to correct, reverse or cure the Company Actions that the Executive identifies as causing Good Reason, then no Good Reason shall have occurred and the Notice of Termination shall be deemed withdrawn. For any other termination by the Company or the Executive, the Date of Termination shall be 30 days after the Notice of Termination is delivered.

Any dispute by a party hereto regarding a Notice of Termination delivered to such party must be conveyed to the other party within 30 days after the Notice of Termination is given. If the particulars of the dispute are not conveyed within the 30 day period, then the disputing party’s claims regarding the Notice of Termination shall be forever deemed waived.

 

3. Benefits upon Termination of Employment

3.1 General . If, during the Protected Period following each Change in Control, the Executive’s employment is terminated either (i) by the Company (other than for Total Disability or Cause) or (ii) by the Executive for Good Reason, then the Executive shall be entitled to the benefits provided in this Section 3 (collectively and severally “ Termination Benefits ”). The Company’s obligation to pay the Termination Benefits are subject to Executive’s compliance with Section 5 (Non-Competition) and Section 7.9 (Release).

 

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3.2 Base Salary Through Date of Termination . The Company shall pay the Executive his full base salary through the Date of Termination under the Company’s regular payroll procedures and at the rate in effect at the time notice of termination is given. The Company shall give the Executive credit for any vacation earned but not taken and pay such amount at the time that any bonus is paid under Section 3.3.

3.3 Pro Rata Bonus for Year of Termination . The Company shall pay the Executive a bonus under the Company’s Key Officers Incentive Plan (together with any successor plans, the “ Bonus Plan ”) for the year in which his employment terminates, which bonus shall be (i) based upon the results achieved for the Company or applicable profit centers under the Bonus Plan for the year and (ii) prorated for the number of days during the year prior to the Date of Termination. Such amount shall be paid when bonuses are required to be paid under the Bonus Plan but not before 6 months after the Executive’s termination of employment, if and to the extent required to avoid a tax under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “ Code ”).

3.4 Severance Payments . The Company shall pay the Executive:

(a) aggregate severance payments equal to 200% of his annual base salary in effect at the time of the Change in Control, plus

(b) additional aggregate severance payments equal to 200% of the Executive’s target bonus amount (which is expressed as a percentage of his annual base salary and is currently 80%) in effect at the time of the Change in Control under the Bonus Plan.

The severance payments in subsection (a) and subsection (b) shall each be made in equal, consecutive bi-weekly installments over the course of 24 months following the Date of Termination.

3.5 Welfare Plans and Fringe Benefits .

(a) For purposes of this Section 3.5, welfare plans and fringe benefit programs include health, disability, life, salary continuance prior to disability, automobile usage, and any other fringe benefit or welfare plan arrangement in which the Executive was entitled to participate immediately prior to the Date of Termination.

(b) The Company shall maintain in full force, for the continued benefit of the Executive for 24 months after the Date of Termination, at the same cost to the Executive as is charged to similarly situated active employees, all welfare plans and fringe benefit programs (including health plan, disability insurance, and life insurance, including any applicable spouse and eligible dependent coverage) that the Company is able to provide under the terms of its plans, programs, and applicable policies and that may be provided to the Executive as a former employee on a tax-free basis under the Code and without the Company incurring a tax under Code Section 4980D; provided, however, that the Company may require the Executive to elect coverage pursuant to COBRA as condition to continuing medical plan coverage, if and to the extent the Executive is eligible for COBRA.

 

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(c) To the extent that any welfare plan or fringe benefit program cannot be maintained under Section 3.5(b) on a tax-free basis to the Executive under the applicable provisions of the Code, the Company shall maintain such benefits that the Company is able to provide under the terms of its plans, programs, and applicable policies without the Company incurring a tax under Code Section 4980D, at the same cost to the Executive as is charged to similarly situated active employees, for the period, if any, that is recognized under Code Section 409A as not resulting in a deferral of compensation, but in no event beyond 24 months.

(d) To the extent any welfare plan or fringe benefit program cannot be provided for 24 months from the Date of Termination under Sections 3.5(b) and (c), the Executive shall be entitled to bi-weekly cash payments that equal (i) the Company’s cost of coverage in the case of welfare plans and (ii) the premiums, if any, in the case of fringe benefit programs, and (iii) the value of any other benefits that would have been provided during such period. At the close of the 24 month period, any assignable insurance policy owned by the Company and relating solely to the Executive shall be assigned to the Executive.

3.6 Retirement Plans .

(a) The Company shall pay the Executive an “ Additional Retirement Benefit ” equal to the additional benefit the Executive would have been entitled to under the Company’s Retirement Plans in effect immediately prior to a Change in Control had the Executive accumulated 24 additional months of continuous service (following the Date of Termination) under such Retirement Plans both for purposes of determining eligibility for benefits and for purposes of calculating the Additional Retirement Benefit. If any Retirement Plan requires contributions by participants, the Additional Retirement Benefit shall be reduced to reflect the absence of contributions by the Executive and any matching contribution that would be contingent upon the Executive’s contributions shall be calculated as if the Executive made the maximum contribution allowable under the terms of such Retirement Plan. Where the Executive’s contribution for a given Retirement Plan is calculated by reference to salary and/or bonus, the Additional Retirement Benefit shall be calculated by reference to the Executive’s annual salary in effect on the Date of Termination and the bonus payout percentage achieved for the year of service preceding the Date of Termination, without adjustment for any future year increases that may have occurred absent the termination.

(b) For purposes of this Section 3.6, “ Retirement Plans ” are (i) any savings or retirement plan sponsored by the Company that is intended to be tax-qualified under Code section 401(a), and any arrangements that make up benefits that are not provided under such tax-qualified plans because of compensation or benefit limits under the terms

 

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of such plans or the Code, (ii) the Executive Stock Unit Program, and (iii) any deferred compensation program in which the Executive participates that is adopted after the effective date of this agreement that is intended to provide for retirement savings. For any Retirement Plan that is a defined benefit pension plan, the Additional Retirement Benefit shall be determined using the same interest rate and mortality factor that apply for determining actuarial equivalence in the applicable plans.

3.7 Termination Which Does Not Require Payment of Termination Benefits . No Termination Benefits shall be provided by the Company to the Executive under this Section 3 if the Executive’s employment is terminated:

 

  (a) By his death; or

 

  (b) By the Executive other than for Good Reason; or

 

  (c) By the Company for Total Disability or for Cause under this Agreement.

3.8 Modified Cutback . If the Executive is entitled to Termination Benefits under this Agreement and other payments and/or benefits in connection with a change of ownership or effective control of the Company covered by §280G of the Code, as amended (collectively the “ Company Payments ”), and if such Company Payments would otherwise equal or exceed 300% of the Executive’s base amount as defined in §280G(b)(3) of the Code (the “ Threshold Amount ”), then the amount of the Company Payments will be reduced to an amount that is less than such Threshold Amount, but only if and to the extent such reduction will also result in, after taking into account all taxes, including any income taxes (together with any interest or penalties thereon) and any excise tax pursuant to Code §4999, a greater after-tax benefit to the Executive than the after-tax benefit to the Executive of the Company Payments computed without regard to any such reduction. If Company Payments must be reduced, the order of reduction shall be in accordance with Code Section 409A and unless otherwise required to satisfy Code Section 409A, (a) the amount of severance payable to the Executive under Section 3.4 of this Agreement shall be subject to reduction first, followed by payments under Section 3.5 of this Agreement, followed by cash payments under Section 3.6 of this Agreement, followed by any other cash payments that are not attributable to accelerated vesting or payment of Company stock, stock units or stock options, followed by payments under this Agreement that are not subject to Section 409A, followed by payments that are attributable to accelerated vesting or payment of Company stock, stock units or stock options, and (b) subject to the order of reductions specified in Subsection (a), the payments that would otherwise be made latest in time shall be reduced first and payments that would be otherwise be made at the same time shall be reduced pro rata.

To the extent requested by the Executive, the Company shall cooperate with the Executive in valuing services provided by the Executive (including, without limitation, the Executive refraining from performing services pursuant to a covenant not compete) before, on or after a change in ownership or control of the Company (within the meaning of §280G of the Code), such that payments in respect of such services may be considered reasonable compensation and/or exempt from the definition of “parachute payment” within §280G of the Code.

 

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4. No Obligation to Mitigate

The Termination Benefits provided under Section 3 shall not be treated as damages, but rather shall be treated as severance compensation to which the Executive is entitled. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any Termination Benefit provided under Section 3 by seeking other employment or otherwise; provided, however, any health welfare and fringe benefits that the Executive may receive from full time employment by a third person shall be applied against and reduce any such benefits thereafter to be made available to the Executive under Section 3.5.

 

5. Non-Competition

For two years after the Termination Date, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly (i) engage in any Competitive Activity, (ii) solicit orders from or seek or propose to do business with any customer of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates (collectively, the “ Companies ”) relating to any Competitive Activity, or (iii) influence or attempt to influence any employee, representative or advisor of the Companies to terminate his or her employment or relationship with the Companies. “ Competitive Activity ” means any manufacture, sale, distribution, engineering, design, promotion or other activity that competes with any business of the Companies in which the Executive was involved as an employee, consultant or agent.

If the Executive violates the preceding paragraph, then the Company’s sole remedy shall be to cease payment of any further Termination Benefits after the date of such violation. If any restriction in this Section is deemed unenforceable, then the parties contemplate that the appropriate court will reduce the scope or other provisions and enforce the restrictions set out in this section in their reduced form.

The restrictive covenants in this Section are in addition to any other restrictive covenants of the Executive, and are not in lieu of or modifications to such other restrictive covenants.

 

6. Timing of Payments

The taxable payments and taxable benefits in Sections 3.4 and 3.5 shall commence 6 months after the Date of Termination, at which date he shall receive a lump sum of installments and benefits which accrued from the Date of Termination through the date of such lump sum payment. Additional Retirement Benefits under Section 3.6 shall be paid in a lump sum 6 months after the Date of Termination; provided, however, that in the case of a Retirement Plan that is not a tax-qualified plan, payment shall be made at such later date or event that is specified in such plan if the payment time or event is one described in Code Section 409A(a)(2)(A). Any coverage and benefits pursuant to Section 3.5 that are not taxable to the Executive shall commence within 60 days following the Date of Termination and the coverage or benefits shall be retroactive to the Date of Termination.

 

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7. Successor; Binding Agreement

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 expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. The assumption shall be by agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Executive. Failure of the Company to obtain such agreement prior to the effectiveness of any such succession shall entitle the Executive to terminate his employment for Good Reason as provided in Section 2.4(h). As used in the Agreement “ Company ” means the Company as previously defined and any successor to its business and/or assets which executes and delivers the agreement provided for in this Section 7 or which otherwise becomes bound by all the terms and provisions of this Agreement by operation of law.

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributes, devisees and legatees, but the Executive may not assign this Agreement. If the Executive should die while any amount would still be payable to him hereunder if he had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to his devisee, legatee or other designee or, if there be no such designee, to his estate.

 

8. Miscellaneous

8.1 Notice . All notices, elections, waivers and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed by United States certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses set forth on the first page of this Agreement, or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

8.2 No Waiver . No provisions of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing, signed by the Executive and an officer of the Company. No waiver by either party at any time of any breach by the other party of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement.

8.3 Enforceability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

8.4 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Missouri.

 

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8.5 Disputes. Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules procedures of the American Arbitration Association. If, at any time after 90 days from the Date of Termination, the Executive and the Company have not resolved any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement, either the Executive or the Company may notify the other of an intent to seek arbitration. Arbitration shall occur before a single arbitrator in the State of Missouri; provided, however, that if the parties cannot agree on the selection of such arbitrator within 30 days after the matter is referred to arbitration, each party shall select one arbitrator and those arbitrators shall jointly designate a third arbitrator to comprise a panel of three arbitrators. The decision of the arbitrator shall be rendered in writing, shall be final, and may be entered as a judgment in any court in the State of Missouri. The Company and the Executive each irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of the federal and state courts located in the State of Missouri for this purpose. The Company shall pay, within 30 days of receipt of the arbitrator’s decision, all costs and expenses in connection with any arbitration under this Section 8.5, including without limitation all reasonable legal fees incurred by Executive in connection with such arbitration; provided, however, the Company shall not be obligated to pay unless the Executive prevails on the majority of the dollar amount at issue in the dispute.

8.6 Sections; Captions . All references in this Agreement to Sections refer to the applicable Sections of this Agreement. References in this Agreement to a given Section ( e.g ., Section 3) shall, unless the context requires otherwise, refer to all parts of such Section. The captions have been placed in this Agreement for ease of reference only. They shall not be used in the interpretation of this Agreement.

8.7 Term of Agreement . This Agreement shall continue in force so long as the Executive remains employed by the Company or any successor and shall apply to any Change in Control that occurs while the Executive remains so employed; provided, however, (i) the Agreement may be modified by the mutual agreement of the parties from time to time, including modifications to take into account changes in law, and (ii) after May 9, 2020, the Company or the Executive shall have the right to unilaterally terminate this Agreement upon 1 year written notice to the other party, so long as a Protected Period is not in effect.

8.8 Limited Right of Offset . Effective upon a Change in Control, the Company waives, and will not assert, any right to set off the amount of any claims, liabilities, damages or losses the Company may have against the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise if (i) the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause, or (ii) the Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason.

8.9. Release . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Executive shall receive payments and benefits under this Agreement only if the Executive timely executes, returns to the Company, and does not revoke a release and covenant not to sue agreement, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Executive and the Company’s legal counsel. The Company shall provide such agreement to the Executive in sufficient time so that if the Executive executes and returns the agreement to the Company within the time period permitted by the Company, the revocation period provided in the agreement will expire before the payments and benefits under this Agreement are required to commence pursuant to Section 6.

 

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8.10 Successive Changes in Control . A separate Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred with each occurrence of any event described in subsections (a) through (f) of Section 1.2. This Agreement pertains to each and every Change in Control, including successive Changes in Control involving the same controlling person(s).

8.11 Interpretation of Agreement and Application of Code Section 409A . This Agreement is intended to conform to the requirements of Code Section 409A and shall be interpreted accordingly. For such purposes, any stream of payments due under this Agreement shall be treated as a series of separate payments. The Executive shall be deemed to have terminated employment for purposes of this Agreement only if he has incurred a termination of employment that constitutes a “separation for service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A.

8.12 Withholding . The Company may withhold all federal, state, and local income and employment taxes relating to Termination Benefits as required under applicable laws and regulations.

8.13 Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Severance Benefit Agreement between the Company and the Executive dated March 1, 2013 is hereby terminated and superseded by this Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been signed as of the day and year first above written.

 

EXECUTIVE:    LEGGETT & PLATT, INCORPORATED
/s/ M ATTHEW C. F LANIGAN                            By:   

/s/ R. T ED E NLOE , III

Matthew C. Flanigan       R. Ted Enloe, III
      Board Chair

 

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Exhibit 10.3

SEVERANCE BENEFIT AGREEMENT

This Severance Benefit Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) is made as of May 9, 2017 between Leggett & Platt, Incorporated, 1 Leggett Road, Carthage, Missouri 64836 (the “ Company ”) and Perry E. Davis (the “ Executive ”), residing at [executive’s personal residence].

RECITALS

The Executive functions as an Executive Vice President of the Company and the President of Residential Products and Industrial Products Segments on the date hereof and is one of the key employees of the Company.

The Company considers the maintenance of sound and vital management essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. In this connection, the Company recognizes that in today’s business environment the possibility of a change in control of the Company may exist in the future. The Company further recognizes that such possibility, and the uncertainty which it may raise among key executives, could result in the departure or distraction of key executives to the detriment of the Company and its shareholders.

Accordingly, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) has determined that appropriate steps should be taken (i) to further induce the Executive to remain with the Company and (ii) to reinforce and encourage the continued attention and dedication of the Executive to his assigned duties without distraction in the face of potentially disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a change in control of the Company.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Executive agree as follows:

 

1. Change in Control.

1.1 Change in Control . The Company shall be required to provide certain benefits to the Executive to the extent required under the terms of this Agreement following each and every “ Change in Control ” of the Company.

1.2 Definition . A “ Change in Control ” of the Company shall be deemed to have occurred if:

(a) There is any change in control as contemplated by (i) Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A, Regulation 14A, promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”) or (ii) Item 5.01 of Form 8-K promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act; or

 

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(b) Any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of 40% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities; or

(c) Those persons serving as directors of the Company on the date of this Agreement (the “ Original Directors ”) and/or their Successors do not constitute a majority of the whole Board of Directors of the Company (the term “ Successors ” shall mean those directors whose election or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders has been approved by the vote of at least two-thirds of the Original Directors and previously qualified Successors serving as directors of the Company at the time of such election or nomination for election); or

(d) The Company shall be a party to a merger or consolidation with another corporation and as a result of such merger or consolidation, less than 65% of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving or resulting corporation shall be owned in the aggregate by the former shareholders of the Company as the same shall have existed immediately prior to such merger or consolidation; or

(e) The Company liquidates, sells, or otherwise transfers all or substantially all of its assets to a person not controlled by the Company both immediately prior to and immediately after such sale; or

(f) The Company (i) enters into an agreement, including a letter of intent, which contemplates the occurrence of a Change of Control (as described in Subsections 1.2(a)-(e)) or (ii) the Company or any person publicly announces an intention to take actions which, if consummated, would result in a Change in Control (as described in Subsections 1.2(a)-(e)). A Change in Control under this Subsection 1.2(f) will no longer be in effect once the Board adopts a resolution making a good faith determination that a Change in Control under this Subsection 1.2(f) is no longer pending (except that such a resolution shall not be effective against a termination by the Executive under Section 2.4 prior to the Board adopting the resolution).

 

2. Termination of Employment Following a Change in Control

2.1 General . During the 24 month period immediately following each and every Change in Control (the “ Protected Period ”), the Executive and the Company shall comply with all provisions of this Section 2 regarding termination of the Executive’s employment. This Agreement shall have no application to any termination of the Executive’s employment outside the Protected Period.

2.2 Termination for Total Disability . The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment during the Protected Period due to the Executive’s Total Disability. “ Total Disability ” means the Executive’s inability to perform substantially all of his material duties with the Company for a continuous period of six or more months due to illness or injury. During any period prior to his termination of employment that the Executive is unable to substantially

 

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perform his duties with the Company as a result of illness or injury, the Company shall continue to pay the Executive his full base salary at the rate then in effect and any bonuses earned by the Executive under Company bonus plans until such time as the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Total Disability. In no event, however, shall such period of continued pay and bonus exceed 29 consecutive months. Following termination of employment under this Section 2.2, the Executive’s benefits shall be determined in accordance with the Company’s long term disability program as in effect on the date hereof, or any successor program then in effect.

2.3 Termination by Company for Cause . The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment during the Protected Period for “ Cause ,” which shall be limited to the following:

(a) The Executive’s conviction of any crime involving money or other property of the Company or any of its affiliates (including entering any plea bargain admitting criminal guilt), or a conviction of any other crime (whether or not involving the Company or any of its affiliates) that constitutes a felony in the jurisdiction involved; or

(b) The Executive’s willful breach of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct (or any successor policy) which causes significant injury to the Company; or

(c) The Executive’s willful breach of the Company’s Financial Code of Ethics (or any successor policy) which causes significant injury to the Company; or

(d) The Executive’s willful act or omission involving fraud, misappropriation, or dishonesty that (i) causes significant injury to the Company or (ii) results in a material personal enrichment to the Executive at the expense of the Company; or

(e) The Executive’s willful violation of specific written directions of the Board provided that such directions are consistent with this Agreement and the Executive’s duties and do not constitute Company Action as defined in Section 2.4, and provided that such violation continues following the Executive’s receipt of written notice by the Board specifying the specific acts or omissions alleged to constitute such violation and such violation continues after affording the Executive reasonable opportunity to remedy such failure after receipt of such notice; or

(f) The Executive’s continued, repeated, willful failure to substantially perform his duties; provided, however, that no discharge shall be deemed for Cause under this subsection (f) unless the Executive first receives written notice from the Board advising the Executive of specific acts or omissions alleged to constitute a failure to perform his duties, and such failure continues after the Executive has had a reasonable opportunity to correct the acts or omissions so complained of.

No act or failure to act on the Executive’s part shall be considered “ willful ” unless done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive without reasonable belief that his action or omission was in the best interest of the Company. Moreover, the Executive’s employment shall not be terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a Notice of

 

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Termination duly adopted by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the directors of the Board at a meeting of the Board (after reasonable notice to the Executive and an opportunity for the Executive, together with his counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board the Executive was in violation of Section 2.3(a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f) and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

A termination shall not be deemed for Cause if, for example, the termination results from the Company’s determination that the Executive’s position is redundant or unnecessary or that the Executive’s performance is unsatisfactory or if the termination stems from the Executive’s refusal to agree to or accept any Company Action described in Section 2.4.

2.4 Termination by Executive for Good Reason . The Executive may terminate his employment during the Protected Period for “ Good Reason ” by giving notice of termination to the Company following (i) any Company Action or (ii) receipt of notice from the Company of the Company’s intention to take any such Company Action.

Company Actions ” which may lead to a termination of employment for Good Reason (collectively and severally) are as follows:

(a) A reduction by the Company in the Executive’s base salary as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control; or

(b) A change in the Executive’s reporting responsibilities, titles or offices as in effect immediately prior to a Change in Control that results in a material diminution within the Company of title, authority or responsibility; or

(c) The assignment to the Executive of any duties or responsibilities that, in any material aspect, are inconsistent with the Executive’s duties and responsibilities with the Company immediately prior to the Change in Control; or

(d) A material reduction in target annual incentive opportunity as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control, expressed as a percentage of base salary; or

(e) A requirement by the Company that the Executive be based or perform his duties more than 50 miles from his principal work location immediately prior to the Change in Control, except for required travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with the Executive’s business travel obligations immediately prior to the Change in Control or, if the Executive consents in writing to any relocation, the failure by the Company to pay (or reimburse the Executive for) all reasonable expenses incurred by him relating to a change of his principal residence in connection with such relocation; or

(f) A material reduction in annual target value of long-term incentive awards as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control (with the value determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards); or

 

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(g) A failure by the Company to obtain the assumption agreement to perform this Agreement by any successor as contemplated by Section 6 of this Agreement; or

(i) Any purported termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company for Total Disability or for Cause that is not carried out (i) pursuant to a Notice of Termination which satisfies the requirements of Section 2.5 and (ii) in accordance with Section 2.3, if applicable; and for purposes of this Agreement, no such purported termination shall be effective.

2.5 Notice of Termination . Any purported termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment during the Protected Period shall be communicated by a written “ Notice of Termination ” delivered to the other party.

(a) A Notice of Termination by the Company under Section 2.2 (Total Disability) or 2.3 (for Cause) shall set forth, in reasonable detail, the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of employment under the applicable Section.

(b) A Notice of Termination by the Executive under Section 2.4 (Good Reason) shall be delivered no later than 90 days from the date of the Company Actions upon which the termination is based and shall set forth, in reasonable detail, the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of employment.

2.6 Date of Termination . The date the Executive’s employment is terminated under Section 2 of this Agreement is the “ Date of Termination .” In cases of Total Disability, the Date of Termination shall be 30 days after Notice of Termination is delivered (provided that the Executive shall not have returned to the performance of his duties on a full-time basis during such 30 day period). If the Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause, the Date of Termination shall be the date specified in the Notice of Termination. If the Executive’s employment is terminated for Good Reason, the Date of Termination shall be the date specified in the Notice of Termination, which shall be between 30 and 60 days following delivery of the Notice of Termination; provided, if, within 30 days of receipt of such notice, the Company takes such appropriate actions as are necessary to correct, reverse or cure the Company Actions that the Executive identifies as causing Good Reason, then no Good Reason shall have occurred and the Notice of Termination shall be deemed withdrawn. For any other termination by the Company or the Executive, the Date of Termination shall be 30 days after the Notice of Termination is delivered.

Any dispute by a party hereto regarding a Notice of Termination delivered to such party must be conveyed to the other party within 30 days after the Notice of Termination is given. If the particulars of the dispute are not conveyed within the 30 day period, then the disputing party’s claims regarding the Notice of Termination shall be forever deemed waived.

 

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3. Benefits upon Termination of Employment

3.1 General . If, during the Protected Period following each Change in Control, the Executive’s employment is terminated either (i) by the Company (other than for Total Disability or Cause) or (ii) by the Executive for Good Reason, then the Executive shall be entitled to the benefits provided in this Section 3 (collectively and severally “ Termination Benefits ”). The Company’s obligation to pay the Termination Benefits are subject to Executive’s compliance with Section 5 (Non-Competition) and Section 7.9 (Release).

3.2 Base Salary Through Date of Termination . The Company shall pay the Executive his full base salary through the Date of Termination under the Company’s regular payroll procedures and at the rate in effect at the time notice of termination is given. The Company shall give the Executive credit for any vacation earned but not taken and pay such amount at the time that any bonus is paid under Section 3.3.

3.3 Pro Rata Bonus for Year of Termination . The Company shall pay the Executive a bonus under the Company’s Key Officers Incentive Plan (together with any successor plans, the “ Bonus Plan ”) for the year in which his employment terminates, which bonus shall be (i) based upon the results achieved for the Company or applicable profit centers under the Bonus Plan for the year and (ii) prorated for the number of days during the year prior to the Date of Termination. Such amount shall be paid when bonuses are required to be paid under the Bonus Plan but not before 6 months after the Executive’s termination of employment, if and to the extent required to avoid a tax under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “ Code ”).

3.4 Severance Payments . The Company shall pay the Executive:

(a) aggregate severance payments equal to 200% of his annual base salary in effect at the time of the Change in Control, plus

(b) additional aggregate severance payments equal to 200% of the Executive’s target bonus amount (which is expressed as a percentage of his annual base salary and is currently 80%) in effect at the time of the Change in Control under the Bonus Plan.

The severance payments in subsection (a) and subsection (b) shall each be made in equal, consecutive bi-weekly installments over the course of 24 months following the Date of Termination.

3.5 Welfare Plans and Fringe Benefits .

(a) For purposes of this Section 3.5, welfare plans and fringe benefit programs include health, disability, life, salary continuance prior to disability, automobile usage, and any other fringe benefit or welfare plan arrangement in which the Executive was entitled to participate immediately prior to the Date of Termination.

 

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(b) The Company shall maintain in full force, for the continued benefit of the Executive for 24 months after the Date of Termination, at the same cost to the Executive as is charged to similarly situated active employees, all welfare plans and fringe benefit programs (including health plan, disability insurance, and life insurance, including any applicable spouse and eligible dependent coverage) that the Company is able to provide under the terms of its plans, programs, and applicable policies and that may be provided to the Executive as a former employee on a tax-free basis under the Code and without the Company incurring a tax under Code Section 4980D; provided, however, that the Company may require the Executive to elect coverage pursuant to COBRA as condition to continuing medical plan coverage, if and to the extent the Executive is eligible for COBRA.

(c) To the extent that any welfare plan or fringe benefit program cannot be maintained under Section 3.5(b) on a tax-free basis to the Executive under the applicable provisions of the Code, the Company shall maintain such benefits that the Company is able to provide under the terms of its plans, programs, and applicable policies without the Company incurring a tax under Code Section 4980D, at the same cost to the Executive as is charged to similarly situated active employees, for the period, if any, that is recognized under Code Section 409A as not resulting in a deferral of compensation, but in no event beyond 24 months.

(d) To the extent any welfare plan or fringe benefit program cannot be provided for 24 months from the Date of Termination under Sections 3.5(b) and (c), the Executive shall be entitled to bi-weekly cash payments that equal (i) the Company’s cost of coverage in the case of welfare plans and (ii) the premiums, if any, in the case of fringe benefit programs, and (iii) the value of any other benefits that would have been provided during such period. At the close of the 24 month period, any assignable insurance policy owned by the Company and relating solely to the Executive shall be assigned to the Executive.

3.6 Retirement Plans .

(a) The Company shall pay the Executive an “ Additional Retirement Benefit ” equal to the additional benefit the Executive would have been entitled to under the Company’s Retirement Plans in effect immediately prior to a Change in Control had the Executive accumulated 24 additional months of continuous service (following the Date of Termination) under such Retirement Plans both for purposes of determining eligibility for benefits and for purposes of calculating the Additional Retirement Benefit. If any Retirement Plan requires contributions by participants, the Additional Retirement Benefit shall be reduced to reflect the absence of contributions by the Executive and any matching contribution that would be contingent upon the Executive’s contributions shall be calculated as if the Executive made the maximum contribution allowable under the terms of such Retirement Plan. Where the Executive’s contribution for a given Retirement Plan is calculated by reference to salary and/or bonus, the Additional Retirement Benefit shall be calculated by reference to the Executive’s annual salary in effect on the Date of Termination and the bonus payout percentage achieved for the year of service preceding the Date of Termination, without adjustment for any future year increases that may have occurred absent the termination.

 

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(b) For purposes of this Section 3.6, “ Retirement Plans ” are (i) any savings or retirement plan sponsored by the Company that is intended to be tax-qualified under Code section 401(a), and any arrangements that make up benefits that are not provided under such tax-qualified plans because of compensation or benefit limits under the terms of such plans or the Code, (ii) the Executive Stock Unit Program, and (iii) any deferred compensation program in which the Executive participates that is adopted after the effective date of this agreement that is intended to provide for retirement savings. For any Retirement Plan that is a defined benefit pension plan, the Additional Retirement Benefit shall be determined using the same interest rate and mortality factor that apply for determining actuarial equivalence in the applicable plans.

3.7 Termination Which Does Not Require Payment of Termination Benefits . No Termination Benefits shall be provided by the Company to the Executive under this Section 3 if the Executive’s employment is terminated:

(a) By his death; or

(b) By the Executive other than for Good Reason; or

(c) By the Company for Total Disability or for Cause under this Agreement.

3.8 Modified Cutback . If the Executive is entitled to Termination Benefits under this Agreement and other payments and/or benefits in connection with a change of ownership or effective control of the Company covered by §280G of the Code, as amended (collectively the “ Company Payments ”), and if such Company Payments would otherwise equal or exceed 300% of the Executive’s base amount as defined in §280G(b)(3) of the Code (the “ Threshold Amount ”), then the amount of the Company Payments will be reduced to an amount that is less than such Threshold Amount, but only if and to the extent such reduction will also result in, after taking into account all taxes, including any income taxes (together with any interest or penalties thereon) and any excise tax pursuant to Code §4999, a greater after-tax benefit to the Executive than the after-tax benefit to the Executive of the Company Payments computed without regard to any such reduction. If Company Payments must be reduced, the order of reduction shall be in accordance with Code Section 409A and unless otherwise required to satisfy Code Section 409A, (a) the amount of severance payable to the Executive under Section 3.4 of this Agreement shall be subject to reduction first, followed by payments under Section 3.5 of this Agreement, followed by cash payments under Section 3.6 of this Agreement, followed by any other cash payments that are not attributable to accelerated vesting or payment of Company stock, stock units or stock options, followed by payments under this Agreement that are not subject to Section 409A, followed by payments that are attributable to accelerated vesting or payment of Company stock, stock units or stock options, and (b) subject to the order of reductions specified in Subsection (a), the payments that would otherwise be made latest in time shall be reduced first and payments that would be otherwise be made at the same time shall be reduced pro rata.

To the extent requested by the Executive, the Company shall cooperate with the Executive in valuing services provided by the Executive (including, without limitation, the Executive refraining from performing services pursuant to a covenant not compete) before, on or after a change in ownership or control of the Company (within the meaning of §280G of the Code), such that payments in respect of such services may be considered reasonable compensation and/or exempt from the definition of “parachute payment” within §280G of the Code.

 

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4. No Obligation to Mitigate

The Termination Benefits provided under Section 3 shall not be treated as damages, but rather shall be treated as severance compensation to which the Executive is entitled. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any Termination Benefit provided under Section 3 by seeking other employment or otherwise; provided, however, any health welfare and fringe benefits that the Executive may receive from full time employment by a third person shall be applied against and reduce any such benefits thereafter to be made available to the Executive under Section 3.5.

 

5. Non-Competition

For two years after the Termination Date, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly (i) engage in any Competitive Activity, (ii) solicit orders from or seek or propose to do business with any customer of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates (collectively, the “ Companies ”) relating to any Competitive Activity, or (iii) influence or attempt to influence any employee, representative or advisor of the Companies to terminate his or her employment or relationship with the Companies. “ Competitive Activity ” means any manufacture, sale, distribution, engineering, design, promotion or other activity that competes with any business of the Companies in which the Executive was involved as an employee, consultant or agent.

If the Executive violates the preceding paragraph, then the Company’s sole remedy shall be to cease payment of any further Termination Benefits after the date of such violation. If any restriction in this Section is deemed unenforceable, then the parties contemplate that the appropriate court will reduce the scope or other provisions and enforce the restrictions set out in this section in their reduced form.

The restrictive covenants in this Section are in addition to any other restrictive covenants of the Executive, and are not in lieu of or modifications to such other restrictive covenants.

 

6. Timing of Payments

The taxable payments and taxable benefits in Sections 3.4 and 3.5 shall commence 6 months after the Date of Termination, at which date he shall receive a lump sum of installments and benefits which accrued from the Date of Termination through the date of such lump sum payment. Additional Retirement Benefits under Section 3.6 shall be paid in a lump sum 6 months after the Date of Termination; provided, however, that in the case of a Retirement Plan that is not a tax-qualified plan, payment shall be made at such later date or event that is specified in such plan if the payment time or event is one described in Code Section 409A(a)(2)(A). Any coverage and benefits pursuant to Section 3.5 that are not taxable to the Executive shall commence within 60 days following the Date of Termination and the coverage or benefits shall be retroactive to the Date of Termination.

 

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7. Successor; Binding Agreement

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 expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. The assumption shall be by agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Executive. Failure of the Company to obtain such agreement prior to the effectiveness of any such succession shall entitle the Executive to terminate his employment for Good Reason as provided in Section 2.4(h). As used in the Agreement “ Company ” means the Company as previously defined and any successor to its business and/or assets which executes and delivers the agreement provided for in this Section 7 or which otherwise becomes bound by all the terms and provisions of this Agreement by operation of law.

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributes, devisees and legatees, but the Executive may not assign this Agreement. If the Executive should die while any amount would still be payable to him hereunder if he had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to his devisee, legatee or other designee or, if there be no such designee, to his estate.

 

8. Miscellaneous

8.1 Notice . All notices, elections, waivers and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed by United States certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses set forth on the first page of this Agreement, or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

8.2 No Waiver . No provisions of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing, signed by the Executive and an officer of the Company. No waiver by either party at any time of any breach by the other party of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement.

8.3 Enforceability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

 

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8.4 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Missouri.

8.5 Disputes . Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules procedures of the American Arbitration Association. If, at any time after 90 days from the Date of Termination, the Executive and the Company have not resolved any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement, either the Executive or the Company may notify the other of an intent to seek arbitration. Arbitration shall occur before a single arbitrator in the State of Missouri; provided, however, that if the parties cannot agree on the selection of such arbitrator within 30 days after the matter is referred to arbitration, each party shall select one arbitrator and those arbitrators shall jointly designate a third arbitrator to comprise a panel of three arbitrators. The decision of the arbitrator shall be rendered in writing, shall be final, and may be entered as a judgment in any court in the State of Missouri. The Company and the Executive each irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of the federal and state courts located in the State of Missouri for this purpose. The Company shall pay, within 30 days of receipt of the arbitrator’s decision, all costs and expenses in connection with any arbitration under this Section 8.5, including without limitation all reasonable legal fees incurred by Executive in connection with such arbitration; provided, however, the Company shall not be obligated to pay unless the Executive prevails on the majority of the dollar amount at issue in the dispute.

8.6 Sections; Captions . All references in this Agreement to Sections refer to the applicable Sections of this Agreement. References in this Agreement to a given Section ( e.g ., Section 3) shall, unless the context requires otherwise, refer to all parts of such Section. The captions have been placed in this Agreement for ease of reference only. They shall not be used in the interpretation of this Agreement.

8.7 Term of Agreement . This Agreement shall continue in force so long as the Executive remains employed by the Company or any successor and shall apply to any Change in Control that occurs while the Executive remains so employed; provided, however, (i) the Agreement may be modified by the mutual agreement of the parties from time to time, including modifications to take into account changes in law, and (ii) after May 9, 2020, the Company or the Executive shall have the right to unilaterally terminate this Agreement upon 1 year written notice to the other party, so long as a Protected Period is not in effect.

8.8 Limited Right of Offset . Effective upon a Change in Control, the Company waives, and will not assert, any right to set off the amount of any claims, liabilities, damages or losses the Company may have against the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise if (i) the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause, or (ii) the Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason.

8.9. Release . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Executive shall receive payments and benefits under this Agreement only if the Executive timely executes, returns to the Company, and does not revoke a release and covenant not to sue agreement, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Executive and the Company’s legal counsel. The Company

 

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shall provide such agreement to the Executive in sufficient time so that if the Executive executes and returns the agreement to the Company within the time period permitted by the Company, the revocation period provided in the agreement will expire before the payments and benefits under this Agreement are required to commence pursuant to Section 6.

8.10 Successive Changes in Control . A separate Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred with each occurrence of any event described in subsections (a) through (f) of Section 1.2. This Agreement pertains to each and every Change in Control, including successive Changes in Control involving the same controlling person(s).

8.11 Interpretation of Agreement and Application of Code Section 409A . This Agreement is intended to conform to the requirements of Code Section 409A and shall be interpreted accordingly. For such purposes, any stream of payments due under this Agreement shall be treated as a series of separate payments. The Executive shall be deemed to have terminated employment for purposes of this Agreement only if he has incurred a termination of employment that constitutes a “separation for service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A.

8.12 Withholding . The Company may withhold all federal, state, and local income and employment taxes relating to Termination Benefits as required under applicable laws and regulations.

8.13 Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been signed as of the day and year first above written.

 

EXECUTIVE:     LEGGETT & PLATT, INCORPORATED

/s/ P ERRY E. D AVIS

    By:  

/s/ R. T ED E NLOE , III

Perry E. Davis       R. Ted Enloe, III
      Board Chair

 

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Exhibit 10.4

SEVERANCE BENEFIT AGREEMENT

This Severance Benefit Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) is made as of May 9, 2017 between Leggett & Platt, Incorporated, 1 Leggett Road, Carthage, Missouri 64836 (the “ Company ”) and J. Mitchell Dolloff (the “ Executive ”), residing at [executive’s personal residence].

RECITALS

The Executive functions as an Executive Vice President of the Company and the President of Specialized Products and Furniture Products Segments on the date hereof and is one of the key employees of the Company.

The Company considers the maintenance of sound and vital management essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. In this connection, the Company recognizes that in today’s business environment the possibility of a change in control of the Company may exist in the future. The Company further recognizes that such possibility, and the uncertainty which it may raise among key executives, could result in the departure or distraction of key executives to the detriment of the Company and its shareholders.

Accordingly, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) has determined that appropriate steps should be taken (i) to further induce the Executive to remain with the Company and (ii) to reinforce and encourage the continued attention and dedication of the Executive to his assigned duties without distraction in the face of potentially disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a change in control of the Company.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Executive agree as follows:

 

1. Change in Control.

1.1 Change in Control . The Company shall be required to provide certain benefits to the Executive to the extent required under the terms of this Agreement following each and every “ Change in Control ” of the Company.

1.2 Definition . A “ Change in Control ” of the Company shall be deemed to have occurred if:

(a) There is any change in control as contemplated by (i) Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A, Regulation 14A, promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”) or (ii) Item 5.01 of Form 8-K promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act; or

 

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(b) Any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of 40% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities; or

(c) Those persons serving as directors of the Company on the date of this Agreement (the “ Original Directors ”) and/or their Successors do not constitute a majority of the whole Board of Directors of the Company (the term “ Successors ” shall mean those directors whose election or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders has been approved by the vote of at least two-thirds of the Original Directors and previously qualified Successors serving as directors of the Company at the time of such election or nomination for election); or

(d) The Company shall be a party to a merger or consolidation with another corporation and as a result of such merger or consolidation, less than 65% of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving or resulting corporation shall be owned in the aggregate by the former shareholders of the Company as the same shall have existed immediately prior to such merger or consolidation; or

(e) The Company liquidates, sells, or otherwise transfers all or substantially all of its assets to a person not controlled by the Company both immediately prior to and immediately after such sale; or

(f) The Company (i) enters into an agreement, including a letter of intent, which contemplates the occurrence of a Change of Control (as described in Subsections 1.2(a)-(e)) or (ii) the Company or any person publicly announces an intention to take actions which, if consummated, would result in a Change in Control (as described in Subsections 1.2(a)-(e)). A Change in Control under this Subsection 1.2(f) will no longer be in effect once the Board adopts a resolution making a good faith determination that a Change in Control under this Subsection 1.2(f) is no longer pending (except that such a resolution shall not be effective against a termination by the Executive under Section 2.4 prior to the Board adopting the resolution).

 

2. Termination of Employment Following a Change in Control

2.1 General . During the 24 month period immediately following each and every Change in Control (the “ Protected Period ”), the Executive and the Company shall comply with all provisions of this Section 2 regarding termination of the Executive’s employment. This Agreement shall have no application to any termination of the Executive’s employment outside the Protected Period.

2.2 Termination for Total Disability . The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment during the Protected Period due to the Executive’s Total Disability. “ Total Disability ” means the Executive’s inability to perform substantially all of his material duties with the Company for a continuous period of six or more months due to illness or injury. During any period prior to his termination of employment that the Executive is unable to substantially

 

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perform his duties with the Company as a result of illness or injury, the Company shall continue to pay the Executive his full base salary at the rate then in effect and any bonuses earned by the Executive under Company bonus plans until such time as the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Total Disability. In no event, however, shall such period of continued pay and bonus exceed 29 consecutive months. Following termination of employment under this Section 2.2, the Executive’s benefits shall be determined in accordance with the Company’s long term disability program as in effect on the date hereof, or any successor program then in effect.

2.3 Termination by Company for Cause . The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment during the Protected Period for “ Cause ,” which shall be limited to the following:

(a) The Executive’s conviction of any crime involving money or other property of the Company or any of its affiliates (including entering any plea bargain admitting criminal guilt), or a conviction of any other crime (whether or not involving the Company or any of its affiliates) that constitutes a felony in the jurisdiction involved; or

(b) The Executive’s willful breach of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct (or any successor policy) which causes significant injury to the Company; or

(c) The Executive’s willful breach of the Company’s Financial Code of Ethics (or any successor policy) which causes significant injury to the Company; or

(d) The Executive’s willful act or omission involving fraud, misappropriation, or dishonesty that (i) causes significant injury to the Company or (ii) results in a material personal enrichment to the Executive at the expense of the Company; or

(e) The Executive’s willful violation of specific written directions of the Board provided that such directions are consistent with this Agreement and the Executive’s duties and do not constitute Company Action as defined in Section 2.4, and provided that such violation continues following the Executive’s receipt of written notice by the Board specifying the specific acts or omissions alleged to constitute such violation and such violation continues after affording the Executive reasonable opportunity to remedy such failure after receipt of such notice; or

(f) The Executive’s continued, repeated, willful failure to substantially perform his duties; provided, however, that no discharge shall be deemed for Cause under this subsection (f) unless the Executive first receives written notice from the Board advising the Executive of specific acts or omissions alleged to constitute a failure to perform his duties, and such failure continues after the Executive has had a reasonable opportunity to correct the acts or omissions so complained of.

No act or failure to act on the Executive’s part shall be considered “ willful ” unless done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive without reasonable belief that his action or omission was in the best interest of the Company. Moreover, the Executive’s employment shall not be terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a Notice of

 

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Termination duly adopted by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the directors of the Board at a meeting of the Board (after reasonable notice to the Executive and an opportunity for the Executive, together with his counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board the Executive was in violation of Section 2.3(a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f) and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

A termination shall not be deemed for Cause if, for example, the termination results from the Company’s determination that the Executive’s position is redundant or unnecessary or that the Executive’s performance is unsatisfactory or if the termination stems from the Executive’s refusal to agree to or accept any Company Action described in Section 2.4.

2.4 Termination by Executive for Good Reason . The Executive may terminate his employment during the Protected Period for “ Good Reason ” by giving notice of termination to the Company following (i) any Company Action or (ii) receipt of notice from the Company of the Company’s intention to take any such Company Action.

Company Actions ” which may lead to a termination of employment for Good Reason (collectively and severally) are as follows:

(a) A reduction by the Company in the Executive’s base salary as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control; or

(b) A change in the Executive’s reporting responsibilities, titles or offices as in effect immediately prior to a Change in Control that results in a material diminution within the Company of title, authority or responsibility; or

(c) The assignment to the Executive of any duties or responsibilities that, in any material aspect, are inconsistent with the Executive’s duties and responsibilities with the Company immediately prior to the Change in Control; or

(d) A material reduction in target annual incentive opportunity as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control, expressed as a percentage of base salary; or

(e) A requirement by the Company that the Executive be based or perform his duties more than 50 miles from his principal work location immediately prior to the Change in Control, except for required travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with the Executive’s business travel obligations immediately prior to the Change in Control or, if the Executive consents in writing to any relocation, the failure by the Company to pay (or reimburse the Executive for) all reasonable expenses incurred by him relating to a change of his principal residence in connection with such relocation; or

(f) A material reduction in annual target value of long-term incentive awards as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control (with the value determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards); or

 

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(g) A failure by the Company to obtain the assumption agreement to perform this Agreement by any successor as contemplated by Section 6 of this Agreement; or

(i) Any purported termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company for Total Disability or for Cause that is not carried out (i) pursuant to a Notice of Termination which satisfies the requirements of Section 2.5 and (ii) in accordance with Section 2.3, if applicable; and for purposes of this Agreement, no such purported termination shall be effective.

2.5 Notice of Termination . Any purported termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment during the Protected Period shall be communicated by a written “ Notice of Termination ” delivered to the other party.

(a) A Notice of Termination by the Company under Section 2.2 (Total Disability) or 2.3 (for Cause) shall set forth, in reasonable detail, the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of employment under the applicable Section.

(b) A Notice of Termination by the Executive under Section 2.4 (Good Reason) shall be delivered no later than 90 days from the date of the Company Actions upon which the termination is based and shall set forth, in reasonable detail, the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of employment.

2.6 Date of Termination . The date the Executive’s employment is terminated under Section 2 of this Agreement is the “ Date of Termination .” In cases of Total Disability, the Date of Termination shall be 30 days after Notice of Termination is delivered (provided that the Executive shall not have returned to the performance of his duties on a full-time basis during such 30 day period). If the Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause, the Date of Termination shall be the date specified in the Notice of Termination. If the Executive’s employment is terminated for Good Reason, the Date of Termination shall be the date specified in the Notice of Termination, which shall be between 30 and 60 days following delivery of the Notice of Termination; provided, if, within 30 days of receipt of such notice, the Company takes such appropriate actions as are necessary to correct, reverse or cure the Company Actions that the Executive identifies as causing Good Reason, then no Good Reason shall have occurred and the Notice of Termination shall be deemed withdrawn. For any other termination by the Company or the Executive, the Date of Termination shall be 30 days after the Notice of Termination is delivered.

Any dispute by a party hereto regarding a Notice of Termination delivered to such party must be conveyed to the other party within 30 days after the Notice of Termination is given. If the particulars of the dispute are not conveyed within the 30 day period, then the disputing party’s claims regarding the Notice of Termination shall be forever deemed waived.

 

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3. Benefits upon Termination of Employment

3.1 General . If, during the Protected Period following each Change in Control, the Executive’s employment is terminated either (i) by the Company (other than for Total Disability or Cause) or (ii) by the Executive for Good Reason, then the Executive shall be entitled to the benefits provided in this Section 3 (collectively and severally “ Termination Benefits ”). The Company’s obligation to pay the Termination Benefits are subject to Executive’s compliance with Section 5 (Non-Competition) and Section 7.9 (Release).

3.2 Base Salary Through Date of Termination . The Company shall pay the Executive his full base salary through the Date of Termination under the Company’s regular payroll procedures and at the rate in effect at the time notice of termination is given. The Company shall give the Executive credit for any vacation earned but not taken and pay such amount at the time that any bonus is paid under Section 3.3.

3.3 Pro Rata Bonus for Year of Termination . The Company shall pay the Executive a bonus under the Company’s Key Officers Incentive Plan (together with any successor plans, the “ Bonus Plan ”) for the year in which his employment terminates, which bonus shall be (i) based upon the results achieved for the Company or applicable profit centers under the Bonus Plan for the year and (ii) prorated for the number of days during the year prior to the Date of Termination. Such amount shall be paid when bonuses are required to be paid under the Bonus Plan but not before 6 months after the Executive’s termination of employment, if and to the extent required to avoid a tax under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “ Code ”).

3.4 Severance Payments . The Company shall pay the Executive:

(a) aggregate severance payments equal to 200% of his annual base salary in effect at the time of the Change in Control, plus

(b) additional aggregate severance payments equal to 200% of the Executive’s target bonus amount (which is expressed as a percentage of his annual base salary and is currently 80%) in effect at the time of the Change in Control under the Bonus Plan.

The severance payments in subsection (a) and subsection (b) shall each be made in equal, consecutive bi-weekly installments over the course of 24 months following the Date of Termination.

3.5 Welfare Plans and Fringe Benefits .

(a) For purposes of this Section 3.5, welfare plans and fringe benefit programs include health, disability, life, salary continuance prior to disability, automobile usage, and any other fringe benefit or welfare plan arrangement in which the Executive was entitled to participate immediately prior to the Date of Termination.

 

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(b) The Company shall maintain in full force, for the continued benefit of the Executive for 24 months after the Date of Termination, at the same cost to the Executive as is charged to similarly situated active employees, all welfare plans and fringe benefit programs (including health plan, disability insurance, and life insurance, including any applicable spouse and eligible dependent coverage) that the Company is able to provide under the terms of its plans, programs, and applicable policies and that may be provided to the Executive as a former employee on a tax-free basis under the Code and without the Company incurring a tax under Code Section 4980D; provided, however, that the Company may require the Executive to elect coverage pursuant to COBRA as condition to continuing medical plan coverage, if and to the extent the Executive is eligible for COBRA.

(c) To the extent that any welfare plan or fringe benefit program cannot be maintained under Section 3.5(b) on a tax-free basis to the Executive under the applicable provisions of the Code, the Company shall maintain such benefits that the Company is able to provide under the terms of its plans, programs, and applicable policies without the Company incurring a tax under Code Section 4980D, at the same cost to the Executive as is charged to similarly situated active employees, for the period, if any, that is recognized under Code Section 409A as not resulting in a deferral of compensation, but in no event beyond 24 months.

(d) To the extent any welfare plan or fringe benefit program cannot be provided for 24 months from the Date of Termination under Sections 3.5(b) and (c), the Executive shall be entitled to bi-weekly cash payments that equal (i) the Company’s cost of coverage in the case of welfare plans and (ii) the premiums, if any, in the case of fringe benefit programs, and (iii) the value of any other benefits that would have been provided during such period. At the close of the 24 month period, any assignable insurance policy owned by the Company and relating solely to the Executive shall be assigned to the Executive.

3.6 Retirement Plans .

(a) The Company shall pay the Executive an “ Additional Retirement Benefit ” equal to the additional benefit the Executive would have been entitled to under the Company’s Retirement Plans in effect immediately prior to a Change in Control had the Executive accumulated 24 additional months of continuous service (following the Date of Termination) under such Retirement Plans both for purposes of determining eligibility for benefits and for purposes of calculating the Additional Retirement Benefit. If any Retirement Plan requires contributions by participants, the Additional Retirement Benefit shall be reduced to reflect the absence of contributions by the Executive and any matching contribution that would be contingent upon the Executive’s contributions shall be calculated as if the Executive made the maximum contribution allowable under the terms of such Retirement Plan. Where the Executive’s contribution for a given Retirement Plan is calculated by reference to salary and/or bonus, the Additional Retirement Benefit shall be calculated by reference to the Executive’s annual salary in effect on the Date of Termination and the bonus payout percentage achieved for the year of service preceding the Date of Termination, without adjustment for any future year increases that may have occurred absent the termination.

 

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(b) For purposes of this Section 3.6, “ Retirement Plans ” are (i) any savings or retirement plan sponsored by the Company that is intended to be tax-qualified under Code section 401(a), and any arrangements that make up benefits that are not provided under such tax-qualified plans because of compensation or benefit limits under the terms of such plans or the Code, (ii) the Executive Stock Unit Program, and (iii) any deferred compensation program in which the Executive participates that is adopted after the effective date of this agreement that is intended to provide for retirement savings. For any Retirement Plan that is a defined benefit pension plan, the Additional Retirement Benefit shall be determined using the same interest rate and mortality factor that apply for determining actuarial equivalence in the applicable plans.

3.7 Termination Which Does Not Require Payment of Termination Benefits . No Termination Benefits shall be provided by the Company to the Executive under this Section 3 if the Executive’s employment is terminated:

(a) By his death; or

(b) By the Executive other than for Good Reason; or

(c) By the Company for Total Disability or for Cause under this Agreement.

3.8 Modified Cutback . If the Executive is entitled to Termination Benefits under this Agreement and other payments and/or benefits in connection with a change of ownership or effective control of the Company covered by §280G of the Code, as amended (collectively the “ Company Payments ”), and if such Company Payments would otherwise equal or exceed 300% of the Executive’s base amount as defined in §280G(b)(3) of the Code (the “ Threshold Amount ”), then the amount of the Company Payments will be reduced to an amount that is less than such Threshold Amount, but only if and to the extent such reduction will also result in, after taking into account all taxes, including any income taxes (together with any interest or penalties thereon) and any excise tax pursuant to Code §4999, a greater after-tax benefit to the Executive than the after-tax benefit to the Executive of the Company Payments computed without regard to any such reduction. If Company Payments must be reduced, the order of reduction shall be in accordance with Code Section 409A and unless otherwise required to satisfy Code Section 409A, (a) the amount of severance payable to the Executive under Section 3.4 of this Agreement shall be subject to reduction first, followed by payments under Section 3.5 of this Agreement, followed by cash payments under Section 3.6 of this Agreement, followed by any other cash payments that are not attributable to accelerated vesting or payment of Company stock, stock units or stock options, followed by payments under this Agreement that are not subject to Section 409A, followed by payments that are attributable to accelerated vesting or payment of Company stock, stock units or stock options, and (b) subject to the order of reductions specified in Subsection (a), the payments that would otherwise be made latest in time shall be reduced first and payments that would be otherwise be made at the same time shall be reduced pro rata.

 

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To the extent requested by the Executive, the Company shall cooperate with the Executive in valuing services provided by the Executive (including, without limitation, the Executive refraining from performing services pursuant to a covenant not compete) before, on or after a change in ownership or control of the Company (within the meaning of §280G of the Code), such that payments in respect of such services may be considered reasonable compensation and/or exempt from the definition of “parachute payment” within §280G of the Code.

 

4. No Obligation to Mitigate

The Termination Benefits provided under Section 3 shall not be treated as damages, but rather shall be treated as severance compensation to which the Executive is entitled. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any Termination Benefit provided under Section 3 by seeking other employment or otherwise; provided, however, any health welfare and fringe benefits that the Executive may receive from full time employment by a third person shall be applied against and reduce any such benefits thereafter to be made available to the Executive under Section 3.5.

 

5. Non-Competition

For two years after the Termination Date, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly (i) engage in any Competitive Activity, (ii) solicit orders from or seek or propose to do business with any customer of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates (collectively, the “ Companies ”) relating to any Competitive Activity, or (iii) influence or attempt to influence any employee, representative or advisor of the Companies to terminate his or her employment or relationship with the Companies. “ Competitive Activity ” means any manufacture, sale, distribution, engineering, design, promotion or other activity that competes with any business of the Companies in which the Executive was involved as an employee, consultant or agent.

If the Executive violates the preceding paragraph, then the Company’s sole remedy shall be to cease payment of any further Termination Benefits after the date of such violation. If any restriction in this Section is deemed unenforceable, then the parties contemplate that the appropriate court will reduce the scope or other provisions and enforce the restrictions set out in this section in their reduced form.

The restrictive covenants in this Section are in addition to any other restrictive covenants of the Executive, and are not in lieu of or modifications to such other restrictive covenants.

 

6. Timing of Payments

The taxable payments and taxable benefits in Sections 3.4 and 3.5 shall commence 6 months after the Date of Termination, at which date he shall receive a lump sum of installments and benefits which accrued from the Date of Termination through the date of such lump sum payment. Additional Retirement Benefits under Section 3.6 shall be paid in a lump sum 6 months after the Date of Termination; provided, however, that in the case of a Retirement Plan that is not a tax-qualified plan, payment shall be made at such later date or event that is specified in such plan if the payment time or event is one described in Code Section 409A(a)(2)(A). Any coverage and benefits pursuant to Section 3.5 that are not taxable to the Executive shall commence within 60 days following the Date of Termination and the coverage or benefits shall be retroactive to the Date of Termination.

 

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7. Successor; Binding Agreement

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 expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. The assumption shall be by agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Executive. Failure of the Company to obtain such agreement prior to the effectiveness of any such succession shall entitle the Executive to terminate his employment for Good Reason as provided in Section 2.4(h). As used in the Agreement “ Company ” means the Company as previously defined and any successor to its business and/or assets which executes and delivers the agreement provided for in this Section 7 or which otherwise becomes bound by all the terms and provisions of this Agreement by operation of law.

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributes, devisees and legatees, but the Executive may not assign this Agreement. If the Executive should die while any amount would still be payable to him hereunder if he had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to his devisee, legatee or other designee or, if there be no such designee, to his estate.

 

8. Miscellaneous

8.1 Notice . All notices, elections, waivers and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed by United States certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses set forth on the first page of this Agreement, or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

8.2 No Waiver . No provisions of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing, signed by the Executive and an officer of the Company. No waiver by either party at any time of any breach by the other party of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement.

8.3 Enforceability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

 

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8.4 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Missouri.

8.5 Disputes. Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules procedures of the American Arbitration Association. If, at any time after 90 days from the Date of Termination, the Executive and the Company have not resolved any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement, either the Executive or the Company may notify the other of an intent to seek arbitration. Arbitration shall occur before a single arbitrator in the State of Missouri; provided, however, that if the parties cannot agree on the selection of such arbitrator within 30 days after the matter is referred to arbitration, each party shall select one arbitrator and those arbitrators shall jointly designate a third arbitrator to comprise a panel of three arbitrators. The decision of the arbitrator shall be rendered in writing, shall be final, and may be entered as a judgment in any court in the State of Missouri. The Company and the Executive each irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of the federal and state courts located in the State of Missouri for this purpose. The Company shall pay, within 30 days of receipt of the arbitrator’s decision, all costs and expenses in connection with any arbitration under this Section 8.5, including without limitation all reasonable legal fees incurred by Executive in connection with such arbitration; provided, however, the Company shall not be obligated to pay unless the Executive prevails on the majority of the dollar amount at issue in the dispute.

8.6 Sections; Captions . All references in this Agreement to Sections refer to the applicable Sections of this Agreement. References in this Agreement to a given Section ( e.g ., Section 3) shall, unless the context requires otherwise, refer to all parts of such Section. The captions have been placed in this Agreement for ease of reference only. They shall not be used in the interpretation of this Agreement.

8.7 Term of Agreement . This Agreement shall continue in force so long as the Executive remains employed by the Company or any successor and shall apply to any Change in Control that occurs while the Executive remains so employed; provided, however, (i) the Agreement may be modified by the mutual agreement of the parties from time to time, including modifications to take into account changes in law, and (ii) after May 9, 2020, the Company or the Executive shall have the right to unilaterally terminate this Agreement upon 1 year written notice to the other party, so long as a Protected Period is not in effect.

8.8 Limited Right of Offset . Effective upon a Change in Control, the Company waives, and will not assert, any right to set off the amount of any claims, liabilities, damages or losses the Company may have against the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise if (i) the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause, or (ii) the Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason.

8.9. Release . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Executive shall receive payments and benefits under this Agreement only if the Executive timely executes, returns to the Company, and does not revoke a release and covenant not to sue agreement, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Executive and the Company’s legal counsel. The Company

 

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shall provide such agreement to the Executive in sufficient time so that if the Executive executes and returns the agreement to the Company within the time period permitted by the Company, the revocation period provided in the agreement will expire before the payments and benefits under this Agreement are required to commence pursuant to Section 6.

8.10 Successive Changes in Control . A separate Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred with each occurrence of any event described in subsections (a) through (f) of Section 1.2. This Agreement pertains to each and every Change in Control, including successive Changes in Control involving the same controlling person(s).

8.11 Interpretation of Agreement and Application of Code Section 409A . This Agreement is intended to conform to the requirements of Code Section 409A and shall be interpreted accordingly. For such purposes, any stream of payments due under this Agreement shall be treated as a series of separate payments. The Executive shall be deemed to have terminated employment for purposes of this Agreement only if he has incurred a termination of employment that constitutes a “separation for service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A.

8.12 Withholding . The Company may withhold all federal, state, and local income and employment taxes relating to Termination Benefits as required under applicable laws and regulations.

8.13 Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Severance Benefit Agreement between the Company and the Executive dated December 30, 2008 is hereby terminated and superseded by this Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been signed as of the day and year first above written.

 

EXECUTIVE:     LEGGETT & PLATT, INCORPORATED

/s/ J. M ITCHELL D OLLOFF

    By:  

/s/ R. T ED E NLOE , III

J. Mitchell Dolloff       R. Ted Enloe, III
      Board Chair

 

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Exhibit 10.8

Description of Personal Use of Corporate Aircraft by Karl G. Glassman

On May 8, 2017, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Leggett & Platt, Incorporated (the “ Committee ”) adopted resolutions regarding the personal use of corporate aircraft by Karl G. Glassman, the Company’s President and CEO. Following the Committee’s comprehensive review of the CEO’s compensation package and given the location of the Company’s headquarters outside of a major metropolitan area, the Committee extended this perquisite to facilitate the CEO’s schedule and to enable him to more efficiently attend to Company business while traveling.

Mr. Glassman’s use of corporate aircraft for personal travel by him and his guests is subject to the aircraft not being scheduled for business purposes, and is subject to an annual limit of $100,000 in aggregate incremental cost to the Company. Aggregate incremental cost includes variable direct costs associated with the personal flights by Mr. Glassman and his guests and “deadhead” flights necessitated by such personal use.

The Company will not provide tax reimbursements to Mr. Glassman for any taxes arising from imputed income relating to his use of the corporate aircraft for personal travel by him or his guests.