TX false 0001499453 0001499453 2021-11-18 2021-11-18

 

 

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): November 18, 2021

 

 

Spirit of Texas Bancshares, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Texas   001-38484   90-0499552

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

1836 Spirit of Texas Way
Conroe, Texas 77301
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(936) 521-1836

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

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:

 

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))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common Stock, no par value   STXB   The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

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.

(e) Amendment to Executive Employment Agreement for Dean O. Bass

On November 18, 2021, in connection with the execution of that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Agreement”), dated November 18, 2021, by and between Spirit of Texas Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company” or “Spirit”), a Texas corporation and the parent company of Spirit of Texas Bank SSB (“Spirit Bank”), and Simmons First National Corporation (the “Simmons”), an Arkansas corporation and the parent holding company of Simmons Bank (“Simmons Bank”), pursuant to which, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Agreement, the Company will merge with and into Simmons, with Simmons continuing as the surviving corporation (the “Proposed Transaction”), the Company and Dean O. Bass, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, entered into an amendment to his Executive Employment Agreement, dated February 25, 2021 (the “Employment Agreement”), such amendment to be effective as of November 18, 2021 (the “Amendment”).

The Amendment provides, among other things, that the Company may terminate Mr. Bass’ employment for any reason other than Cause by providing Mr. Bass with written notice of termination to be effective prior to and in connection with a Change in Control at least five (5) business days prior to the expected closing of the Change in Control. The Amendment further provides for the form of release that will apply if Mr. Bass is terminated as described in the previous sentence. Such release provides that the Company will terminate Mr. Bass’ employment immediate prior to the effective time of the Proposed Transaction.    Subject to the terms and conditions of the release, upon such termination, Mr. Bass will receive the following severance package in exchange for a release of all claims against the Company arising out of their relationship: (i) a lump sum payment equivalent to three times the sum of his base salary as of the termination date, plus an amount equal to all bonus, profit sharing, and other annual incentive payments made in the year prior to the termination date, (ii) a lump sum cash payment equal to the cost to obtain, net of taxes, for 18 months, each life, health, accident, and disability benefit to which Mr. Bass was entitled immediately prior to the termination date, (iii) certain other accrued and reimbursable amounts under the Company’s policies, and (iv) a transaction bonus, subject to the terms and conditions of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement (as described below). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this paragraph shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Amendment.

The foregoing description of the Amendment does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Amendment, which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, and incorporated by reference herein.

Entry into Restrictive Covenant Agreement

In connection with the execution of the Amendment, Mr. Bass also entered into a Restrictive Covenant Agreement with the Company, effective as of November 18, 2021 (the “Restrictive Covenant Agreement”). In accordance with the terms of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement, Mr. Bass shall not engage in certain Restrictive Activities for a period of three (3) years after the completion of a Change in Control that occurs during the Term of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement. The Restrictive Activities include, but are not limited to, (x) competing or engaging anywhere in the Restricted Area, in a financial services business similar to that of the Group, and (y) soliciting certain customers and employees of the Group. The Restricted Area is defined as any county in which the Company has established a branch office. As consideration for the restrictions contained in the Restrictive Covenant Agreement, the Company has agreed to pay to Executive a transaction bonus in the amount of $2 million (the “Transaction Bonus”), payable in a lump sum within ten (10) business days following the effective time of a Change in Control that occurs during the Term. The Transaction Bonus will be subject to applicable taxes and withholding. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this paragraph shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

The foregoing description of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement, which is attached as Exhibit 10.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, and incorporated by reference herein.


Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K may not be based on historical facts and should be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may be identified by reference to a future period(s) or by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “budget,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “foresee,” “intend,” “indicate,” “target,” “plan,” positions,” “prospects,” “project,” “predict,” or “potential,” by future conditional verbs such as “could,” “may,” “might,” “should,” “will,” or “would,” or by variations of such words or by similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to the impact the Company and Simmons expect the Transaction to have on the combined entities’ operations, financial condition and financial results, and the Company’s and Simmons’ expectations about their ability to obtain regulatory approvals and the Company’s shareholder approval, their ability to successfully integrate the combined businesses and the amount of cost savings and other benefits the Company and Simmons expect to realize as a result of the Transaction. The forward-looking statements may also include, without limitation, those relating to the Company’s and Simmons’ predictions or expectations of future business or financial performance as well as goals and objectives for future operations, financial and business trends, business prospects, and management’s outlook or expectations for future growth, revenue, expenses, assets, capital levels, liquidity levels, asset quality, profitability, earnings, accretion, customer service, investment in digital channels, or other future financial or business performance, strategies or expectations, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ability of the Company and Simmons to manage the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, capital resources, market risk, plans for investments in securities, effect of future litigation, acquisition strategy, legal and regulatory limitations and compliance and competition.

These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and may not be realized due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation: changes in the Company’s and Simmons’ operating, acquisition, or expansion strategy; the effects of future economic conditions (including unemployment levels and slowdowns in economic growth), governmental monetary and fiscal policies, as well as legislative and regulatory changes, including in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; changes in interest rates; possible adverse rulings, judgements, settlements, and other outcomes of pending or future litigation,; the ability to obtain regulatory approvals and meet other closing conditions to the Transaction; delay in closing the Transaction; difficulties and delays in integrating the Spirit business or fully realizing cost savings and other benefits of the Transaction; changes in Simmons’ share price before closing; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company or Simmons as a result of the Transaction or otherwise; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the right of one or both parties to terminate the Agreement; business disruption following the Transaction; the reaction to the Transaction of the companies’ customers, employees and counterparties; uncertainty as to the extent of the duration, scope, and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company, Simmons and the Transaction; and other relevant risk factors, which may be detailed from time to time in the Company’s and Simmons’ press releases and filings with the SEC. Many of these factors are beyond the Company’s and Simmons’ ability to predict or control, and actual results could differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements due to these factors and others. In addition, as a result of these and other factors, the Company’s and Simmons’ past financial performance should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance.

The Company and Simmons believe the assumptions and expectations that underlie or are reflected in any forward-looking statements, expressed or implied, in this Current Report on Form 8-K are reasonable, based on information available to the Company and Simmons on the date of this Current Report on Form 8-K. However, given the described uncertainties and risks, the Company and Simmons cannot guarantee its future performance or results of operations or whether the Company’s and Simmons’ future performance will differ materially from the performance reflected in or implied by its forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, expressed or implied, included in this Current Report on Form 8-K are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to herein. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this Current Report on Form 8-K, and neither the Company nor Simmons undertakes any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Important Additional Information and Where to Find It

This Current Report on Form 8-K does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval with respect to the proposed Transaction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act, and no offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy shall be made in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

In connection with the Transaction, Simmons will file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) to register the shares of Simmons common stock that will be issued to Spirit shareholders in the Transaction.


The Registration Statement will include a proxy statement of Spirit and a prospectus of Simmons (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”), and Simmons and/or Spirit may file with the SEC other relevant documents concerning the Transaction. The definitive Proxy Statement/Prospectus will be mailed to shareholders of Spirit. SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE TRANSACTION CAREFULLY AND IN ITS ENTIRETY WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC BY THE COMPANY AND/OR SIMMONS, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION.

Free copies of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about Simmons and Spirit, may be obtained at the SEC’s Internet site (http://www.sec.gov), when they are filed by Simmons or Spirit. You will also be able to obtain these documents, when they are filed, free of charge, from Simmons at www.simmonsbank.com under the heading “Investor Relations” or from Spirit at www.sotb.com under the “Investor Relations” link. Copies of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus can also be obtained, when it becomes available, free of charge, by directing a request to Spirit at Spirit of Texas Bancshares, Inc., 1836 Spirit of Texas Way, Conroe, Texas 77301, Attention: Corporate Secretary, Email: jgoleman@sotb.com, Telephone: (936) 521-1836 or by directing a request to Simmons at Simmons First National Corporation, 501 Main Street, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601, Attention: Ed Bilek, Director of Investor Relations, Email: ed.bilek@simmonsbank.com or ir@simmonsbank.com, Telephone: (870) 541-1000.

Participants in the Solicitation

The Company, Simmons, and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of the Company in connection with the proposed Transaction. Information about the Company’s directors and executive officers is available in its proxy statement for its 2021 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 9, 2021. Information about Simmons’ directors and executive officers is available in its proxy statement for its 2021 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 15, 2021. Information regarding all of the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus regarding the proposed Transaction and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available. Free copies of these documents may be obtained as described in the preceding paragraph.

 

Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit 10.1    Amendment to Executive Employment Agreement by and between Spirit of Texas Bancshares, Inc. and Dean O. Bass, dated as of November 18, 2021
Exhibit 10.2    Restrictive Covenant Agreement by and between Spirit of Texas Bancshares, Inc. and Dean O. Bass, dated as of November 18, 2021
Exhibit  104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)


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.

 

    Spirit of Texas Bancshares, Inc.
Dated: November 24, 2021     By:  

/s/ Allison S. Johnson

     

Allison S. Johnson

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 10.1

Execution Version

AMENDMENT TO EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Amendment (“Amendment”), effective as of November 18, 2021, by and between Spirit of Texas Bancshares, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Company”), and Dean O. Bass, an individual (the “Executive”), amends that certain Executive Employment Agreement between Executive and the Company, dated as of February 2, 2021 (the “Agreement”). Together the Company and Executive are the “Parties” and each is a “Party”.

WHEREAS, the Company and is entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of the date hereof, with Simmons First National Corporation, an Arkansas corporation (the “Merger Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 19 of the Agreement, the Parties desire to modify the Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree to amend the Agreement as follows:

1. Section 6.6 of the Agreement is amended to provide that the Company may, during the Term, terminate Executive’s employment other than for Cause prior to and in connection with a Change in Control, to read in its entirety as follows:

6.6 Termination for Reason Other Than Cause. The Company may terminate your employment for any reason other than Cause (i) by giving you ninety (90) days written notice prior to the commencement of any renewal period of this Agreement in accordance with Section 4 or (ii) by giving you written notice of termination to be effective prior to and in connection with a Change in Control at least five (5) business days prior to the expected closing of the Change in Control.

2. Section 8.4 of the Agreement is amended to specify the form of release agreement that will apply in the event of a termination under Section 6.6(ii), to read in its entirety as follows:

8.4 Release. As a condition to receiving the payments provided in Section 8.2 or 8.3 (other than the Accrued Rights) (the “Severance Payments”), Executive (or, as applicable, Executive’s estate) must timely execute and not revoke a full release and waiver of all claims against the Company and its affiliates substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, or, in the event of a termination in accordance with Section 6.6(ii), substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C, and such release, as applicable, becomes effective within sixty (60) days of the Date of Termination (such sixty (60) day period, the “Release Executive Period”). To the extent that the Release Executive Period begins in one taxable year and ends in another taxable year, the Severance Payments shall not be made until the second taxable year.

3. The Agreement is amended to add the new Exhibit C, which is attached to this Amendment.


4. All capitalized terms used but not defined in this Amendment shall have meaning set forth in the Agreement.

5. All other terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

6. If the Merger Agreement terminates prior to consummation of the transactions contemplated therein, then this Amendment will be null and void and the Agreement, absent this Amendment, shall remain in full force and effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto by their duly authorized representatives have executed this Amendment effective as of the date first above written.

SPIRIT OF TEXAS BANCSHARES, INC.

 

By:  

/s/ Allison S. Johnson

Name:   Allison S. Johnson
Title:   Chief Financial Officer

EXECUTIVE

 

Signature:  

/s/ Dean O. Bass

  Dean O. Bass

Date:

  November 18, 2021

 


EXHIBIT C

CONFIDENTIAL SEPARATION AGREEMENT

AND

GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS

THIS CONFIDENTIAL SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS (this “Agreement”) is entered into by and between Dean O. Bass, an individual (“Executive”) and Spirit of Texas Bancshares, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Company,” and together with the Executive, the “Parties”).

PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS

A. Executive and the Company have entered into an Executive Employment Agreement, effective as of February 2, 2021 (as amended, the “Employment Agreement”) and a Restrictive Covenant Agreement, dated as of November 18, 2021 (the “Restrictive Covenant Agreement”).

B. Pursuant to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), dated as of November 18, 2021, the Company will merge into Simmons First National Corporation, an Arkansas corporation (such transaction, the “Proposed Transaction”).

C. Executive’s employment will terminate effective as of immediately prior to the effective time of the Proposed Transaction (the “Effective Time”).

D. In exchange for compensation that Executive would not otherwise be entitled to receive, as set forth in Section 8.3 of the Employment Agreement, Executive desires to settle and compromise any and all possible claims and disputes Executive has against the Company arising out of their relationship to date, and to provide for a general release of any and all such claims.

AGREEMENT

1. Separation Date. Executive’s last day of employment will be as of the date in which the Effective Time occurs (the “Separation Date”).

2. Severance Package. In accordance with Section 8.3 of the Employment Agreement, in exchange for Executive’s covenants and releases contained herein, the Executive shall receive the following, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement:

2.1. Separation Pay. A lump sum payment equivalent to three times the sum of (1) Executive’s Base Salary (as defined in the Employment Agreement) as of the Separation Date plus (2) an amount equal to all bonus, profit sharing, and other annual incentive payments made in the year prior to the Separation Date, in the gross amount of $[_____], subject to applicable taxes and other required withholdings. This payment shall be made within sixty (60) days after the Separation Date.

 

1


2.2. Continued Benefits. A lump sum cash payment equal to the cost to obtain, net of taxes, for 18 months, each life, health, accident, and disability benefit to which Executive was entitled immediately prior to the Separation Date, in the gross amount of $[_____], subject to applicable taxes and other required withholdings. This payment shall be made within sixty (60) calendar days after the Separation Date.

3. Other Payments and Benefits.

3.1. Accrued Amounts. Executive acknowledges and affirms that, other than Executive’s Base Salary through the Separation Date and reimbursement for expenses incurred through the Separation Date and reimbursable under the Company’s policies, Executive has been paid or received all leave (paid or unpaid), vacation pay, compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions, and benefits to which Executive may be entitled, and that no other leave (paid or unpaid), vacation pay, compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions and benefits are due to Executive, except as provided for in this Agreement. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement and/or as otherwise required by law, all employee benefits will terminate on the Separation Date.

3.2. Equity Awards. Executive has been granted certain equity awards in the Company, which may include stock options and restricted stock units, which are not impacted by this Agreement. Such equity awards shall be treated in accordance with the Merger Agreement and the plan document and award agreement(s) governing such awards.

3.3. Transaction Bonus. Under the Restrictive Covenant Agreement, Executive shall be eligible for a Transaction Bonus (as defined therein) upon the closing of the Proposed Transaction, subject to the terms and conditions of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

4. Older Workers Benefit Protection Act. Executive acknowledges that Executive has read and understands this Agreement, has been advised to consult with an attorney regarding this Agreement, and has received all advice that Executive deems necessary prior to executing this Agreement such that Executive is entering into this Agreement freely, knowingly, and voluntarily.

4.1. Executive acknowledges Executive has been given twenty-one (21) calendar days to consider whether to enter into this Agreement, has taken as much of this time as Executive deems necessary to consider whether to enter into this Agreement, and that any changes to this Agreement, whether material or immaterial, do not restart the 21-day period that Executive has to consider this Agreement.1

4.2. This Agreement will become effective on the eighth (8th) calendar day after Executive executes the Agreement, provided that Executive signs this Agreement within twenty-one (21) days after the Separation Date, does not revoke this Agreement, and the Effective Time occurs. Executive may revoke this Agreement by delivering a written notice of revocation to the Company on or before the seventh (7th) calendar day after Executive signs the Agreement in order for the revocation to be effective.

 

1 

Period to be 45 days in the event termination constitutes “an exit incentive or other employment termination program offered to a group or class of employees” under the ADEA.

 

2


4.3. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to preclude or prevent Executive from filing an age or other discrimination or retaliation charge or claim under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”) with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”), although Executive may have no right to monetary or other relief or remedy by reason of the claims Executive has released in this Agreement. Further, nothing in this Agreement is intended to preclude or prevent Executive from participating in any investigation or proceeding conducted by the EEOC on any ADEA claim.

4.4. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to preclude or prevent Executive from challenging in any court or before any agency the knowing and voluntary nature of the waiver of any ADEA claim.

5. Release.

5.1. Release and Waiver. Executive on Executive’s own behalf and on behalf of Executive’s spouse, heirs, administrators, children, representatives, executors, successors, assigns, and all other persons claiming through Executive, if any (collectively, “Releasers”) does hereby unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely release, waive and forever discharge the Company and its parent, subsidiary or affiliated entities, and each of their respective predecessors, successors and assigns, and each of their respective current, former or future directors, officers, agents, employees, attorneys, trustees, partners, members, stockholders, investors, joint ventures, and representatives, both individually and in their official capacities (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from and does fully waive any obligation of the Released Parties to Releasers for, any and all liability, actions, charges, causes of action, demands, damages, or claims for relief, remuneration, sums of money, accounts or expenses (including attorneys’ fees and costs) of any kind whatsoever, whether known or unknown or contingent or absolute, which heretofore has been or which hereafter may be suffered or sustained, directly or indirectly, by Releasers in consequence of, arising out of, or in any way relating to:

(a) Executive’s employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates;

(b) the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company and any of its subsidiaries or affiliates;

(c) any other events occurring on or prior to the date the Executive executes this Agreement.

The release and discharge, waiver and covenant not to sue in this Section 5 includes, but is not limited to:

(i) all claims for wages, salary, bonuses, incentive compensation, stock, restricted stock, stock options, other equity incentive, severance pay, change in control payments, vacation pay or any other fees, compensation or benefits other than any compensation or benefits which the Parties have expressly agreed in writing shall survive this Agreement;

 

3


(ii) all claims and any obligations or causes of action, including claims under common law, for breach of contract (including but not limited to any claims under any employment agreements, offer letters and equity incentive arrangements between the Parties);

(iii) any action arising in tort including libel, slander, defamation or intentional infliction of emotional distress; and

(iv) all claims or actions arising under any federal, state or local statute or regulations including the following, as amended from time to time, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (including the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Acts of 1866 and 1871 (42 U.S.C. § 1981), the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the National Labor Relations Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Texas Labor Code, the Texas Payday Act, the Texas Anti-Retaliation Act, Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code, and the Texas Whistleblower Act, and any other federal, state, or local discrimination or employment laws, and/or any claims under any express or implied contract which Releasers may claim existed with any Released Party.

It is understood and agreed that this Agreement also includes a release of any claims for wrongful or retaliatory discharge and all claims for alleged physical or personal injury, emotional distress relating to or arising out of Executive’s employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or the termination of that employment.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Releasers do not release, and this release and waiver does not apply to and shall not be construed to apply to:

(A) any claim or right to receive the severance package set forth in Section 2 of this Agreement or the other amounts specified in Section 3 of this Agreement;

(B) any claim or right to continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act;

(C) any right of indemnification that Executive may have for any liabilities or obligations arising in connection with, or from Executive’s actions within the course and scope of, Executive’s employment or service with the Company or any of its affiliates;

(D) any claim for unemployment insurance benefits, workers’ compensation benefits, or any other state disability compensation benefits; or

(E) any claim or right arising after the date Executive signs this Agreement.

 

4


5.2. Additional Information. Executives acknowledges that Executive may discover facts or law different from, or in addition to, the facts or law that Executive knows or believes to be true with respect to the claims released in this Agreement and agrees, nonetheless, that this Agreement and the release contained in it shall be and remain effective in all respects notwithstanding such different or additional facts or the discovery of them. Executive does certify that Executive has read all of this Agreement, including the release provisions contained herein, and that Executive fully understands all of the same. Executive hereby expressly agrees that this Agreement shall extend and apply to all unknown, unsuspected and unanticipated injuries and damages, as well as those that are now disclosed.

5.3. No Further Action. Executive represents that, as of the date of this Agreement, none of the Releasers have filed any lawsuits, charges, complaints, petitions, claims or other accusatory pleadings against any Released Parties in any court or with any governmental agency. Executive will reimburse the Released Parties for any fees or costs they incur defending against a released claim other than for challenges to the enforceability of the release of ADEA claims.

5.4. No admission. Neither this Agreement nor any of its terms may be construed an admission by Executive or any of the Released Parties of any wrongdoing or violation of any foreign, federal, state or local constitution, statute, regulation, common law or public policy, and both Executive and the Company specifically deny any such wrongdoing or violation.

6. Protected Rights. Executive understands that nothing contained in this Agreement limits Executive’s ability to file a charge or complaint with the EEOC, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any other federal, state or local government agency or commission (collectively, “Government Agencies”), although Executive may have no right to relief by reason of the claims Executive has released herein. Executive further understands that this Agreement does not limit Executive’s ability to communicate with any Government Agencies or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any Government Agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to the Company. Nothing in this Agreement shall restrict or limit any right Executive may have to receive a whistleblower award or bounty for information provided to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

7. Confidentiality. Executive agrees that all matters relating to this Agreement shall remain confidential. Accordingly, Executive hereby agrees that, with the exception of Executive’s spouse, counsel and tax advisors, Executive shall not discuss, disclose or reveal to any other persons, entities or organizations, whether within or outside of the Company, the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

8. Disclosure. Executive represents and warrants that as of the date that Executive executes this Agreement, Executive either (i) has disclosed to the Company’s Board of Directors any matter that Executive knows or suspects could constitute an actual or potential material violation of the Company’s policies or of any internal or external legal, regulatory or compliance requirement applicable to the Company in any jurisdiction in which it does business, or (ii) Executive has no information concerning any such matter. Executive has reported to the Company all work-related injuries, if any, that Executive has suffered or sustained during the course of Executive’s employment with the Company.

 

5


9. Continuing Obligations. Executive understands and agrees that Executive remains bound by all continuing obligations under the Employment Agreement (including without limitation the provisions of Section 9 of the Employment Agreement) and the Restrictive Covenant Agreement. Executive agrees that Executive received good and valuable consideration for agreeing to such obligations, and will continue to comply with such obligations.

10. Return of Property. Executive agrees that upon Executive’s execution and delivery of this Release, Executive has returned to the Company any and all property in Executive’s possession, including, but not limited to, keys, credit cards, laptops, equipment, supplies, documents (including hard copies and copies on any electronic format, whether on computer, hard drive, PDA, disk, laptop hard drive, e-mail, or in any other format), of the Company or any of its affiliates and related companies and entities or any of its customers, clients, or any third party which does or has done business with the Company or any of its affiliates (collectively, “Company Information”). Further, Executive agrees that Executive has, as of Executive’s execution and delivery of this Agreement, permanently destroyed any and all Company Information which cannot be returned in its entirety, including any Company Information stored on a cloud storage service or in Executive’s email account. At the Company’s request, Executive will certify that Executive has returned, or permanently destroyed, all Company Information in Executive’s possession, custody, or control.

11. Cooperation. Executive agrees that Executive will fully cooperate with any reasonable request made by the Company relating to or arising out of any of the services that Executive worked on, learned of or became familiar with during Executive’s employment with the Company. Executive agrees that Executive will cooperate as needed with the Company in its investigation, defense or prosecution of any potential or actual claim, charge or suit by or against the Company. As used herein, the term “cooperate” means making Executive available from time to time for meetings and interviews with the Company representatives or counsel, giving full and truthful information and testimony when requested, not communicating with private parties known to be adverse to the Company except by way of deposition or trial testimony or as otherwise required by law, making Executive available for deposition and trial testimony upon instruction of counsel for the Company, and executing truthful affidavits requested from time to time by counsel to the Company. The Company will provide reasonable advance notice to Executive of any requests for cooperation, and will take into consideration Executive’s other commitments, and will reimburse Executive for Executive’s reasonable and necessary expenses in connection with providing such cooperation, subject to substantiation and the Company’s reimbursement policies.

12. Nondisparagement. Executive agrees that Executive will not, at any time, make, publish or communicate, to any entity or person or in any public forum, any defamatory remarks, comments or statements concerning the Company, its affiliates, or their successors or any of their products or services. Executive understands that this obligation does not, in any way, restrict or impede Executive from complying with any applicable law or regulation or any valid order or subpoena of a court of competent jurisdiction or an authorized government agency, provided that such compliance does not exceed the extent required by such law, regulation or order.

 

6


13. Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, sent by email, or otherwise delivered by hand or by messenger addressed:

 

  (a)

if to the Company:

1836 Spirit of Texas Way

Conroe, Texas 77301

Attention: Allison S. Johnson, Chief Financial Officer

Email: ajohnson@sotb.com

 

  (b)

if to Executive, to the address set forth on Executive’s signature page hereto;

or to such other address or email address as any party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall only be effective upon receipt. Each such notice or other communication shall for all purposes of this Agreement be treated as effective or having been given (i) if sent by confirmed electronic mail, on the next business day after such notice or communication is sent, (ii) if delivered by hand, messenger or courier service, when delivered, or (iii) if sent via mail, at the earlier of its receipt or three business days after having been sent by air mail or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid.

14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the full and entire agreement between and among the Parties relating to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior discussions between the parties. This Agreement does not supersede the Restrictive Covenant Agreement, Section 8.7 of the Employment Agreement regarding parachute payments, the Executive’s continuing obligations in Section 9 and Section 11 of the Employment Agreement, or the Company’s continuing obligations in Section 13 of the Employment Agreement.

15. Governing Law. As set forth in Section 19 of the Employment Agreement, the validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.

16. Section 409A. The payments and benefits under this Agreement are intended, and will be construed, to be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 409A”), and this Agreement shall be interpreted consistent with Section 16 of the Employment Agreement (Section 409A).

17. Knowing and Voluntary Agreement. Executive acknowledges that Executive has carefully read and fully understands all the provisions and effects of this Agreement. Executive further acknowledges that Executive has been given the opportunity to consult with Executive’s own independent legal counsel with respect to the matters referenced in this Agreement. Executive acknowledges that Executive has fully discussed this Agreement with Executive’s attorney or has voluntarily chosen to sign this Agreement without consulting an attorney, fully understanding the consequences of this Agreement. Executive further acknowledges that Executive is entering into this Agreement without coercion or duress from the Company and that neither the Company nor any of its agents or attorneys has made any representations or promises concerning the terms or effects of this Agreement other than those set forth in this Agreement.

 

7


18. Complete Defense. This Agreement may be pleaded as a full and complete defense and may be used as the basis for an injunction against any action, suit or proceeding which may be prosecuted, instituted or attempted by either party in breach thereof.

19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and, if so executed, each such counterpart shall have the force and effect of an original. A facsimile or electronic signature shall have the same force and effect as an original signature.

20. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement, or part thereof, is held invalid, void or voidable as against public policy or otherwise, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions, or parts thereof, which may be given effect without the invalid provision or part. To this extent, the provisions, and parts thereof, of this Agreement are declared to be severable.

21. Successors and Assigns. Executive may not assign any of Executive’s rights or delegate any of Executive’s duties under this Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns.

EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT EXECUTIVE IS HEREBY ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT.

THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY HAVE EXECUTED THIS AGREEMENT FREELY AFTER INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION AND WITHOUT FRAUD OR UNDUE INFLUENCE. THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND EACH AND EVERY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN AND INTEND TO BE BOUND BY ALL OF ITS TERMS.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement on the dates shown below.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

8


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have entered into this Confidential Separation Agreement and General Release of Claims on the date first written above.

 

EXECUTIVE

 

Name: Dean O. Bass
Address: 5845 Honea Egypt Rd.

        Montgomery, TX 77316

SPIRIT OF TEXAS BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Name: Allison S. Johnson
Title:   Chief Financial Officer

[Signature Page]

 

Exhibit 10.2

Execution Version

RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AGREEMENT

This Restrictive Covenant Agreement (this “Agreement”), dated as of November 18, 2021 (the “Effective Date”), is entered into by Spirit of Texas Bancshares, Inc. a Texas corporation (the “Company”), and Dean O. Bass (“Executive”).

WHEREAS, Executive is the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and its subsidiary bank, Spirit of Texas Bank, SSB (the “Bank”) and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”), and has entered into an Employment Agreement with the Company, dated as of February 2, 2021 (the “Employment Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, the parties to this Agreement wish to memorialize herein certain restrictions that will be imposed upon Executive and certain benefits he will receive in the event of a Change in Control (as defined below).

In consideration of the mutual promises set forth below and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which the parties acknowledge, the Company and Executive agree as follows:

1. Term. The term of this Agreement (the “Term”) shall begin on the Effective Date and shall expire on the second (2nd) anniversary of the Effective Date; provided, however, that if the Executive experiences an earlier Disqualifying Termination (as defined below), the Term will expire as of such Disqualifying Termination.

2. Restrictive Covenants.

2.1. Restricted Activities. Effective upon a Change in Control that occurs during the Term and for a period of three (3) years thereafter (the “Restricted Period”), Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, either as an officer, director, employee, agent, adviser, consultant, principal or partner, in the Restricted Area (as defined below) engage in a Restricted Activity (as defined below). For purposes of clarity, if a Change in Control occurs during the Term, the Restricted Period will last for the time period set forth above, even if after the expiration of the Term, and the continuation of the Restricted Period shall not depend on Executive’s continued service after a Change in Control.

2.2. “Restricted Area” means the geographic area comprised of Bee, Bexar, Brazos, Cherokee, Comanche, Dallas, DeWitt, Fort Bend, Gregg, Harris, Henderson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Palo Pinto, Parker, Seguin, Tarrant and Travis Counties in Texas, and any additional county in which the Company has established a branch office.

2.3. “Restricted Activity” means taking any of the following actions:

(a) competing or engaging, anywhere in the Restricted Area, in a financial services business similar to that of the Group (as defined below);


(b) taking any action to invest in, own, manage, operate, control, participate in, be employed or engaged by or be connected in any manner with any partnership, association, corporation, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated organization or any other business entity (an “Entity”) engaging in a financial or depository institution, financial planning or investment advisory business similar to that of the Group anywhere within the Restricted Area; provided, however, that Executive shall be permitted to own, directly or indirectly, up to two percent (2%) of the issued and outstanding securities of any publicly traded financial institution conducting business in the Restricted Area;

(c) within the Restricted Area (i) entering into, or facilitating any other Entity to enter into, an agreement with any customer of the Group to provide goods and services of the same or similar type as the Group provides, (ii) accepting business from, or facilitating any other Entity to gain or accept such business from or with any customer of the Group, (iii) assisting a competitor of the Group in the sale to any customer of the Group of business of the same or similar type as the Group provides, or (iv) encouraging or facilitating any customer of the Group to purchase goods and services of the same or similar type as the Group provides from a competitor of the Group;

(d) within the Restricted Area, calling on, servicing or soliciting competing business from any customers of the Group if, within the twelve (12) months before the Change in Control, Executive had or made contact with the customer, or had access to information and files about the customer; or

(e) calling on, soliciting or inducing any employee of the Group that Executive had contact, knowledge of, or association with in the course of employment with the Company (including in connection with negotiating the Change in Control) to terminate employment from the Group, or assisting any other person or Entity in such activities.

2.4. Change in Control and Related Definitions.

(a) For purposes of this Agreement, “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) any merger, consolidation or other reorganization whereby the Company’s equity holders existing immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or reorganization do not, immediately after consummation of such merger, consolidation or reorganization, beneficially own (within the meaning of Rule 13(d)(3) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended, the “Exchange Act”)) more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the surviving entity’s then outstanding voting securities; (ii) the Bank is merged or consolidated into, or otherwise acquired by, an entity other than a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; (iii) the Company sells, leases or exchanges all or substantially all of its assets to any other person or entity in which the Company, any subsidiary of the Company, or the Company’s equity holders existing immediately prior to such sale, lease or exchange beneficially own less than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of such acquiring entity’s then outstanding voting securities; (iv) the Company is dissolved and liquidated; (v) any person or entity, including a “group” as contemplated by Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, acquires or gains beneficial ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities; or (vi) any change in the identity of directors constituting a majority of the Board within a twenty-four (24)-month period unless the change was approved by a majority of the Incumbent Directors, where “Incumbent Director means a member of the Board at the beginning of the period in question, including any director who was not a member of the Board at the beginning of such period but was elected or nominated to the Board by, or on the recommendation of or with the approval of, at least two-thirds of the directors who then qualified as Incumbent Directors.

 

2


(b) For purposes of this Agreement, “Group” means, collectively, the surviving entity in the Change in Control and its affiliates.

(c) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Disqualifying Termination” means any termination of Executive’s employment with the Company other than a termination by the Company without Cause (as defined in the Employment Agreement) that occurs at the request or direction of the acquirer in the Change in Control.

2.5. Executive’s Acknowledgments. Executive acknowledges and agrees that:

(a) Executive has been advised to, and given a reasonable opportunity to, consult with independent legal counsel regarding Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement;

(b) Executive fully understands the terms and conditions contained herein;

(c) The restrictions and agreements applicable to Executive in this Agreement are reasonable in all respects and will not place an undue burden on Executive or Executive’s family; and

(d) Under this Agreement, Executive will receive significant and valuable consideration in connection with a Change in Control.

3. Transaction Bonus. As consideration for the restrictions contained in this Agreement, the Company agrees to pay to Executive a transaction bonus in the amount of $2 million (the “Transaction Bonus”), payable in a lump sum within ten (10) business days following the effective time of a Change in Control that occurs during the Term. The Transaction Bonus will be subject to applicable taxes and withholding.

4. Remedies.

4.1. Injunctive Relief. The Executive acknowledges that a breach by Executive of any of the covenants herein would cause irreparable injury to the Company and the Group, which could not be sufficiently remedied by monetary damages. As such, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by Executive of any of the provisions of this Agreement, the Company shall be entitled to obtain from any court having jurisdiction temporary, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief in order to enforce, or prevent any violations of, this Agreement (without any requirement to post a bond or other security). If a party brings suit to enforce this Agreement or defend any such action, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its attorneys’ fees and costs related thereto.

4.2. Repayment Obligation. In the event of a breach by Executive of this Agreement, Executive shall be required to repay, as promptly as practicable (but in all cases within thirty (30) calendar days) following notification by the Company, to the Company a pro-rated portion of the Transaction Bonus for the period of the Restricted Period remaining as of the first

 

3


occurrence of such breach. This pro-rated Transaction Bonus amount shall equal the product of (a) the Transaction Bonus and (b) a fraction, the numerator of which shall equal the number of calendar days remaining in the Restricted Period as of the first occurrence of the breach and the denominator of which shall equal the total number of calendar days in the Restricted Period (1,095 absent a leap year).

4.3. Tolling. The Restricted Period shall be tolled during the pendency of any breach, in order to give the Company and the Group the full protection of the restrictive covenants in this Agreement.

4.4. Non-Exclusive Remedies. Each remedy hereunder and in each other agreement between the parties, or at law or in equity, are independent, cumulative and non-exclusive of each other.

5. Miscellaneous Provisions.

5.1. Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, sent by email, or otherwise delivered by hand or by messenger addressed:

(a) if to the Company:

1836 Spirit of Texas Way

Conroe, Texas 77301

Attention: Allison S. Johnson, Chief Financial Officer

Email: ajohnson@sotb.com

(b) if to Executive, to the address set forth on Executive’s signature page hereto;

or to such other address or email address as any party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall only be effective upon receipt. Each such notice or other communication shall for all purposes of this Agreement be treated as effective or having been given (i) if sent by confirmed electronic mail, on the next business day after such notice or communication is sent, (ii) if delivered by hand, messenger or courier service, when delivered, or (iii) if sent via mail, at the earlier of its receipt or three business days after having been sent by air mail or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid.

5.2. Severability and Blue Pencil. If a court of competent jurisdiction holds that any provision or sub-part thereof contained in this Agreement is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or sub-part in this Agreement. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the covenants in this Agreement are reasonable with respect to their duration, geographical area and scope. Nevertheless, if a court shall refuse to enforce one or more of the covenants because the duration is too long or the geographical area or scope is too broad, it is expressly agreed between the Company and Executive that the court making such determination shall be empowered to reduce the duration, geographical area and/or scope of the covenants to the minimum extent necessary to permit enforcement of such covenants.

 

4


5.3. Assignment; Binding Effect. This Agreement and all obligations hereunder are personal to Executive and may not be transferred or assigned by Executive at any time. The Company may assign this Agreement, in whole or part, to any of its successors or affiliates. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Executive and Executive’s representatives, executors, administrators, estate, heirs, successors and assigns, and the Company and its successors and assigns, including the Group.

5.4. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the sole agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior understandings and agreements, oral or written, between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement shall not amend, modify or supersede, in whole or in part, the Employment Agreement, including Section 9 thereof, and the obligations of the parties hereunder shall be in addition to, and cumulative of, their obligations under the Employment Agreement. Each party acknowledges that no representations, inducements, promises or agreements, oral or written, have been made by any party or by anyone acting on behalf of any party, which are not embodied in this Agreement.

5.5. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Texas, without regards to its conflicts of law principles that might refer construction to the laws of a different jurisdiction.

5.6. Amendments; Waiver. This Agreement may not be modified, amended, or terminated except by an instrument in writing, signed by Executive and the Company. Executive or the Company may waive, in writing, compliance by the other party with any specifically identified provision of this Agreement that such other party was or is obligated to comply with or perform; provided, however, that such waiver shall not operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any other or subsequent failure. No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising any right, remedy, or power hereunder shall preclude any other or further exercise of any other right, remedy, or power provided herein or by law or in equity.

5.7. Headings; Construction. The headings in this Agreement are only for convenience and are not intended to affect construction or interpretation. Any references to paragraphs, subparagraphs, sections or subsections are to those parts of this Agreement, unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary. Unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary, (i) the plural includes the singular and the singular includes the plural; (ii) “includes” and “including” are each “without limitation”; (iii) “herein,” “hereof,” “hereunder” and other similar compounds of the word “here” refer to the entire Agreement and not to any particular paragraph, subparagraph, section or subsection; and (vi) all pronouns and any variations thereof shall be deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine, neuter, singular or plural as the identity of the entities or persons referred to may require. For purposes of this Agreement, an “affiliate” of an Entity shall include any Entity controlled by, controlling or under common control with such first mentioned Entity.

5.8. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same Agreement. Signatures delivered by facsimile or electronically shall be deemed effective for all purposes.

 

5


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have entered into this Restrictive Covenant Agreement on the date first written above.

 

EXECUTIVE
 

/s/ Dean O. Bass

Name:   Dean O. Bass
Address:   5845 Honea Egypt Rd.
  Montgomery, TX 77316
SPIRIT OF TEXAS BANCSHARES, INC.
 

/s/ Allison S. Johnson

Name:   Allison S. Johnson
Title:   Chief Financial Officer

[Signature Page to Bass Restrictive Covenant Agreement]