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): August 3, 2017

Commission File Number 001-31921

COMPASSLOGO_COLORA24.JPG
Compass Minerals International, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
36-3972986
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

9900 West 109 th Street
Suite 100
Overland Park, KS 66210
(913) 344-9200
(Address of principal executive offices, zip code and telephone number, including area code)


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:

¨
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))

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






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

On August 3, 2017, Compass Minerals International, Inc. (the “Company”) entered into an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Francis J. Malecha to serve as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (the “Employment Agreement”). Mr. Malecha has been serving as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer since January 17, 2013, and the initial term of his prior employment agreement with the Company would have terminated on January 17, 2018.

The Employment Agreement is effective as of August 3, 2017, and terminates after three years on August 3, 2020, but automatically extends for successive one-year periods unless the Company provides 60-day advance written notice of non-renewal, or unless earlier terminated as provided therein. Under the terms of the Employment Agreement, Mr. Malecha will be entitled to an annual base salary, target annual cash bonus and equity-based compensation as described in the Company’s 2017 Proxy Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 21, 2017, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.

If Mr. Malecha’s employment terminates as a result of his disability, he will be entitled to receive the compensation due under the Employment Agreement, 60% of his then-current base salary for 12 months after the termination date and continued participation in the Company’s then applicable health plan at the then regular employee contribution rate. If the Company terminates Mr. Malecha’s employment without Cause or if Mr. Malecha terminates his employment for Good Reason (each as defined in the Employment Agreement), he will be entitled to the compensation due under the Employment Agreement through his termination, a pro-rated annual performance based incentive compensation bonus through the date of termination at the target level for such year and an amount equal to continuation of his base salary for 18 months from the date of termination, payable in a single lump sum. In addition, he will receive reimbursement up to a maximum of 18 months for premium payments for COBRA coverage, immediate vesting of all stock options and/or restricted stock units granted through the date of termination, and continued earning/vesting of any performance based units granted through the date of termination as if his employment continued through the date of earning or vesting for any such unit.
 
Mr. Malecha and the Company have also entered into a Restrictive Covenant Agreement, pursuant to which for a period of two years post-termination for any reason Mr. Malecha is subject to a non-solicit covenant for employees and customers and a non-compete covenant. To be eligible for the severance payments described above, the Employment Agreement requires that Mr. Malecha execute a release and be in compliance with his Restrictive Covenant Agreement and his Confidentiality Agreement.

The description of the Employment Agreement and Restrictive Covenant Agreement contained in this Form 8-K is not intended to be complete, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Employment Agreement and Restrictive Covenant Agreement, copies of which are attached as Exhibit 10.1 and Exhibit 10.2, respectively, and incorporated by reference herein.

Item 9.01.    Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

Exhibit No.
 
Exhibit Description
10.1
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective August 3, 2017, between Compass Minerals International, Inc. and Francis J. Malecha.
10.2
 
Restrictive Covenant Agreement, effective August 3, 2017, between Compass Minerals International, Inc. and Francis J. Malecha.







SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
COMPASS MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
 
 
 
Date: August 4, 2017
By:
/s/ Diana C. Toman
 
 
Name: Diana C. Toman
 
 
Title: Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
 
 
 






EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
 
Exhibit Description
10.1
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective August 3, 2017, between Compass Minerals International, Inc. and Francis J. Malecha.
10.2
 
Restrictive Covenant Agreement, effective August 3, 2017, between Compass Minerals International, Inc. and Francis J. Malecha.






Exhibit 10.1
Execution Version

AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Amended and Restated Employment Agreement (“Agreement”) is dated as of August 3, 2017 by and between Compass Minerals International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Company”), and Fran Malecha (“Executive”).
WHEREAS , Company and Executive have entered into that certain Employment Agreement, effective January 17, 2013 (the “Prior Agreement”);
WHEREAS , Company desires to continue to employ Executive on the terms and conditions set forth herein;
WHEREAS , Executive is willing to continue to render services to Company on the terms and conditions set forth herein with respect to such employment; and
WHEREAS , Company and Executive desire to amend and restate the Prior Agreement in its entirety and replace it by this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE , for and in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, Company and Executive agree as follows:
1.     Employment . Company hereby agrees to employ Executive as President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, which employment Executive hereby accepts. In addition, Executive shall continue to serve on Company’s Board of Directors (“Board”); provided, however, that the termination of Executive’s employment with Company for any reason shall automatically result in Executive’s resignation from the Board and any director or officer role he has with Company’s subsidiaries or related entities.
2.      Exclusive Services . Executive shall devote all working time, ability, and attention to the business of Company during the term of this Agreement and shall not, directly or indirectly, render any services to or for the benefit of any other business, corporation, organization, or entity, whether for compensation or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and written consent of Company’s Board, which consent Company’s Board shall not unreasonably withhold; provided, however, that this Section 2 shall not prevent Executive’s involvement in civic/charitable activities that do not interfere with performance of his duties (as defined herein).
3.      Duties . Company hereby employs Executive as President and CEO, in which position Executive shall perform for or on behalf of Company such duties as are customary of Company’s President and CEO and such other duties as Company’s Board shall assign from time to time in its discretion; shall render his services at the principal business offices of Company in Overland Park, Kansas, and as such may be located from time to time thereafter, unless otherwise agreed in writing between Company’s Board and Executive; and shall perform such duties in accordance with Company’s policies and practices, including but not limited to its employment policies and practices, and subject only to such limitations, instructions, directions, and control as Company’s Board may specify from time to time in its discretion; provided, however, that

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Executive’s performance of his duties hereunder shall at all times be subject to Section 9, including but not limited to the “Good Reason” provision of Section 9.c.(3).
4.      Term . This Agreement shall begin on August 3, 2017 (“Commencement Date”) and shall terminate on August 3, 2020 (“Initial Term”), but shall extend automatically for successive one-year periods (each a “Renewal Term”) unless, not later than sixty days before expiration of the Initial Term or any Renewal Term, Company provides Executive with written notice to the contrary.
5.      Compensation . As compensation for services rendered under this Agreement, Executive shall receive the following:
a.      Base Salary . Initially, Company shall pay Executive a base salary (“Base Salary”) of $800,310.00 per year, payable in accordance with Company’s regular payroll schedule, less applicable deductions and withholdings. Company (1) shall review Executive’s Base Salary at least annually; (2) may increase Executive’s Base Salary at any time in its discretion; and (3) may decrease Executive’s Base Salary at any time in connection with a company-wide salary reduction that affects other officers and executives.
b.      Annual Bonus . Executive shall be eligible to receive a bonus pursuant to an annual performance based incentive compensation program to be established by the Board, with Executive’s annual target to be no less than 110% of Executive’s then Base Salary; provided, however, that Company reserves the right to establish a lesser target if done in good faith and as a result of Company’s legitimate business needs. Payment of any bonus described in this Section 5.b. shall be according to the established plan and subject to Executive’s continued employment by Company through the date the bonus is paid pursuant to the annual incentive compensation program.
c.      Long Term Incentives . Executive shall be entitled to equity-based compensation awards that Company extends generally from time to time to its executives, subject to the terms and conditions of any respective equity-based compensation plans and award agreements and the provisions of this Agreement. Executive’s annual target long term equity award amount will be no less than 270% of Executive’s then Base Salary; subject to annual review by the Company’s compensation committee as part of its customary compensation review process.
6.      Benefits . In addition to the compensation pursuant to Section 5 hereof, Executive shall be entitled to or eligible for the following:
a.      Participation in Employee Plans . Executive shall be entitled to participate in any health, disability, and group term life insurance plans (throughout Employee’s employment, Company shall ensure such group term life insurance plans provide for a minimum benefit for Executive of one times Executive’s then Base Salary); in salary deferrals plan(s); in any pension, retirement, or profit sharing plans; in any annual executive bonus or other compensation plans; and/or in any other perquisites and benefit plans that Company extends generally from time to time to its executives. In addition, Executive shall

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be entitled to an “executive physical,” for which Company, at Executive’s election, will either pay directly or reimburse Executive.
b.      Vacation . Executive shall be entitled to up to 5 weeks of paid vacation annually.
7.      Reimbursement of Expenses . Subject to such rules and procedures as Company from time to time adopts or specifies, Company shall reimburse Executive for reasonable business expenses properly incurred in the performance of his duties under this Agreement.
8.      Restrictive Covenant/Change In Control Severance Agreement . Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that the compensation and benefits set forth in this Agreement are in consideration for his execution of the terms of a separate Restrictive Covenant Agreement, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Restrictive Covenant Agreement”) and Executive shall comply with the terms of such Restrictive Covenant Agreement in all respects. Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that he continues to be party to and bound by the terms of the (a) Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated as of January 17, 2013, by and between Company and Executive (the “Change in Control Severance Agreement”) and (b) Company’s standard Confidentiality Agreement, dated as of April 17, 2013, by and between Company and Executive (the “Confidentiality Agreement”).
9.      Termination .     This Agreement may be terminated as follows:
a.      This Agreement and Executive’s employment hereunder shall automatically terminate in the event of Executive’s Death or Disability.
b.      Company may terminate this Agreement and Executive’s employment hereunder at any time, with or without Cause, upon written notice to Executive. Executive may terminate this Agreement and his employment hereunder at any time (including for voluntary retirement), with or without Good Reason, upon 30 days written notice to Company (for which notice period Executive shall be compensated even if Company relieves Executive of his duties during such period).
c.      For purposes of this Agreement
(1)      “Disability” occurs when Executive is unable to perform the essential functions of his position, with or without reasonable accommodation, for more than thirty (30) consecutive days after reaching maximum medical improvement.
(2)      “Cause” means, in Company’s good faith belief, any of the following: (i) conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; (ii) indictment of Executive for a felony or misdemeanor under the federal securities laws; (iii) willful misconduct or gross negligence resulting in material harm to Company; (iv) willful breach of Executive’s duties or responsibilities herein or the separate Restrictive Covenant Agreement; (v) fraud, embezzlement, theft, or dishonesty against Company or any Subsidiary, or (vi) willful

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violation of a policy or procedure of Company, resulting in any case in material harm to Company. For purposes of this Section, “willful” means those acts taken/not taken in bad faith and without reasonable belief such action/inaction was in the best interests of Company or its affiliates. Company must notify Executive in writing of any event constituting Cause within 90 days following Company’s knowledge of its existence or such event shall not constitute Cause under this Agreement.
(3)      Executive shall have “Good Reason” to terminate this Agreement and his employment hereunder in the event of: (i) a material adverse change in Executive’s duties or responsibilities; provided, however, that Good Reason shall not be deemed to occur upon a change in Executive’s reporting structure, upon a change in Executive’s duties or responsibilities that is a result of the Company no longer being a publicly traded entity and does not involve any other event set forth in this paragraph, or upon a change in Executive’s duties or responsibilities that is part of an across-the-board change in duties or responsibilities of employees at Executive’s level; (ii) any material reduction in Executive’s annual base salary or annual target or maximum bonus opportunity; provided, however, that Good Reason shall not include such a reduction of less than 10% that is part of an across-the-board reduction applicable to employees at Executive’s level; (iii) Company’s (A) relocation of Executive more than 50 miles from Executive’s primary office location and more than 50 miles from Executive’s principal residence or (B) requirement that Executive travel on Company business to an extent substantially greater than Executive’s travel obligations immediately before a change in control; (iv) a reduction of more than 10% in the aggregate benefits provided to Executive under the Company’s employee benefit plans, including but not limited to any “top hat” plans designated for key employees, in which Executive is participating; provided, however, that Good Reason shall not include such a reduction that is part of an across-the-board reduction applicable to employees at Executive’s level; (v) any purported termination of Executive’s employment that is not effectuated for “Cause”; (vi) the failure of the Company to obtain an assumption agreement for this Agreement from any successor after a change in control; or (vii) any material breach of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive must provide notice of termination of employment within 90 days of Executive’s knowledge of an event constituting Good Reason or such event shall not constitute Good Reason under this Agreement. Additionally, any action taken in good faith and remedied by the Company within 30 days after receipt of notice thereof given by Executive shall not constitute Good Reason.
10.      Severance . In the event of a termination of this Agreement under Section 9, the following shall apply:
a.      If this Agreement and Executive’s employment hereunder terminates as a result of Executive’s Disability, then Executive shall receive the following: (i) his Base Salary, benefits earned, and business expenses properly incurred through the date of termination; and (ii) 60% of his then-current Base Salary for 12 months after such termination

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of employment, during which time Executive shall be eligible to participate in Company’s then applicable health care plan at the then regular employee contribution rate; provided that, if Executive cannot continue to participate in Company plans providing such benefits, then Company shall otherwise provide such benefits on the same after-tax basis as if continued participation had been permitted.
b.      If Company terminates this Agreement and Executive’s employment hereunder without Cause or if Executive terminates this Agreement and Executive’s employment hereunder with Good Reason, then Executive shall receive the following: (i) his Base Salary, benefits earned, business expenses properly incurred, and pro-rated annual performance based incentive compensation through the date of termination at the target level for such year; (ii) an amount equal to continuation of the Base Salary for eighteen (18) months from the Date of Termination, payable in a single lump sum; (iii) reimbursement, up to a maximum of 18 months, for premium payments for any COBRA coverage Executive elects, if any; (iv) immediate vesting of all stock options and/or restricted stock units granted through the date of termination, regardless of the provisions of any other agreement; and (v) continued earning/vesting of any Performance Based Units granted through the date of termination, according to the Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (including the provisions regarding payment after a Change of Control of the Company) as if Executive’s employment continued through the date of earning/vesting of any such Unit.
c.      For any termination other than those listed in Section 10.a.-b. and g., Executive shall receive only his Base Salary, benefits earned, and business expenses properly incurred through the date of termination.
d.      Upon termination for any reason, Executive (i) shall provide reasonable cooperation to Company at Company’s expense in winding up Executive’s work for Company and transferring that work to other individuals as designated by Company, and (ii) shall reasonably cooperate with Company in any investigation or litigation/future investigation or litigation as requested by Company.
e.      To be eligible for any payments under this Section beyond regular employee benefits earned through the date of termination, Executive must (i) execute and deliver to Company a final and complete release in a form that is reasonably acceptable and approved by Company, and (ii) in Company’s good faith belief, be in full compliance with his Restrictive Covenant Agreement and his Confidentiality Agreement.
f.      In connection with any severance payments under Section 10.b., Executive shall have no duty to mitigate his damages by seeking other employment, and Company shall not be entitled to set off against amounts payable hereunder any compensation that he may receive from future employment.
g.      In the event of a Qualifying Termination under Executive’s separate Change In Control Severance Agreement, the provisions of that separate agreement shall apply.

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11.      Compliance with Section 409A . To the extent applicable, this Agreement shall be interpreted, construed, and administered in conformity with Section 409A and the regulations and other guidance issued thereunder, including the applicable exemptions. In the event that any payment or distribution to be made hereunder constitutes “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A and Executive is determined to be a specified employee (as defined in Section 409A), such payment or distribution shall not be made before the date that is six months after the termination of Executive’s employment (or, if earlier, the date of Executive’s death). Payments to which a specified employee would otherwise be entitled during the first six months following the date of termination shall be accumulated and paid on the first date of the seventh month following the date of termination. If Executive is entitled to be paid or reimbursed for any taxable expenses under this Agreement, and such payments or reimbursements are includible in Executive’s federal gross taxable income, the amount of such expenses reimbursable in any one calendar year shall not affect the amount reimbursable in any other calendar year, and the reimbursement of an eligible expense must be made no later than December 31 of the year after the year in which the expense was incurred. No right of Executive to reimbursement of expenses under this Agreement shall be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, (x) Executive shall have no right to determine, directly or indirectly, the year of any payment subject to Section 409A; (y) if Executive does not sign the release required by Section 10(e) of this Agreement within the release consideration period or revokes the release before it become effective, Executive shall forfeit any right to the payments, and (z) if the release consideration period begins in one taxable year and ends in a second taxable year, any payments that would have been made in the first taxable year shall be made in the second taxable year to the extent required by Section 409A and the regulations and guidance issued thereunder. Finally, any installment payments under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A.
12.      Resolution of Disputes .
a.      Any dispute or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement (except those for alleged breach of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement and/or Confidentiality Agreement) or any termination of Executive’s employment, shall be settled by final and binding arbitration in Johnson County, Kansas, in accordance with the National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association.
b.      The fees and expenses of the arbitration panel shall be borne by Company.
c.      Either party may elect to have any dispute governed by this Section 12 to be resolved by a panel of three arbitrators, and the party electing same shall bear any additional costs resulting from such selection, the provisions of Section 12.b. notwithstanding.
13.      Notices . For purposes of this Agreement, all notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or 5 days after deposit in the United States mail, certified and return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:


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If to Executive:
 
Fran Malecha
 
 
xxxxxxxxxxx
 
 
xxxxxxxxxxx
If to Company:
 
Compass Minerals International, Inc.
 
 
9900 West 109th Street
 
 
Overland Park, KS 66210
 
 
Attention: Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
 
 

Either party may change its address for notice by giving notice in accordance with the terms of this Section 13.

14.      Clawback Policy . Executive acknowledges and agrees that Company has adopted a Compensation Clawback Policy and that he shall take all action necessary or appropriate to comply with such policy, or any successor policy thereto (including, without limitation, entering into any further agreements, amendments or policies necessary or appropriate to implement and/or enforce such policy with respect to past, present and future compensation, as appropriate).
15.      General Provisions .
a.      Governing Law and Consent to Jurisdiction . Interpretation and/or enforcement of this Agreement shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of Kansas, irrespective of the fact that one or both of the parties now is or may become a resident of a different state and notwithstanding any authority to the contrary.
b.      Invalid Provisions . If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable, then such provision shall be fully severable, and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof; and the remaining provisions hereof shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be affected by the illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision or by its severance herefrom. Furthermore, in lieu of such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision there shall be added automatically as a part of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision as may be possible and still be legal, valid, and enforceable.
c.      Construction of Agreement . This Agreement and the agreements attached hereto or referenced herein (including but not limited to the Restrictive Covenant Agreement, the Change in Control Severance Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement) set forth the entire understanding of the parties and supersede all prior agreements or understandings, whether written or oral, with respect to the subject matter hereof (including, but not limited to the Prior Agreement). Except as expressly provided herein, in the event of any conflict between this Agreement and the other agreements attached hereto, this Agreement shall govern. No terms, conditions, or warranties (other than those contained herein), and no amendments or modifications hereto shall be binding unless made in writing and signed by the parties hereto. This Agreement shall not be strictly construed against either party.

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d.      Binding Effect . This Agreement shall extend to and be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective heirs, representatives, successors, and assigns. This Agreement may not be assigned by Executive, but may be assigned by Company to any person or entity that succeeds to the ownership or operation of the business in which Executive is primarily employed by Company.
e.      Waiver . The waiver by either party hereto of a breach of any term or provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of a subsequent breach of the same provision by any party or of the breach of any other term or provision of this Agreement.
f.      Titles . Titles of the Sections herein are used solely for convenience and shall not be used for interpretation or construing any word, clause, Section, or provision of this Agreement.
g.      Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
h.      Indemnification . Company shall indemnify Executive in accordance with its policies and practices and to the full extent permitted by the general laws of the State of Delaware, now or hereafter in force, including the advance of expenses under procedures provided by such laws. Further, Company shall insure Executive is covered by its D&O insurance policy to the same extent as any other Director or Officer, as applicable.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , Company and Executive have executed this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.
 
 
 
 
EXECUTIVE:
 
ON BEHALF OF COMPANY:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Fran Malecha
 
By:
/s/ Paul S. Williams
Fran Malecha
 
 
Paul S. Williams,
 
 
 
Director,
 
 
 
Chair of Compensation Committee
 
 
 
 


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Exhibit 10.2

Execution Version


RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AGREEMENT

This RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is by and between Fran Malecha (“Employee”) and Compass Minerals International, Inc. by and on behalf of itself and any parent companies, successor companies, direct and indirect subsidiaries, other affiliated companies and assigns (hereinafter referred to collectively as “Company”).
In consideration of the employment/continued employment of Employee by Company and as a condition of Employee’s eligibility for any incentive compensation from Company (as applicable), Employee agrees as follows:
1.     Non-Solicitation Agreement .
a.     Acknowledgments. Employee acknowledges Company’s confidential/trade secret information and relationships with its customers, clients, employees, and other business associations are among Company’s most important assets. Employee further acknowledges that, in his/her employment with Company, he/she will have access to such information/relationships and be responsible for developing and maintaining such information/relationships.
b.     Non-Solicitation of Employees. Employee agrees that, during Employee’s employment with Company and for a period of two years after termination of Employee’s employment with Company for any reason (regardless of who initiates such termination), Employee will not directly or indirectly, whether for Employee’s benefit or for the benefit of a third party, recruit, solicit, or induce, or attempt to recruit, solicit, or induce: (1) anyone employed by Company to terminate employment with, or otherwise cease a relationship with, Company; or (2) anyone employed by Company at any time during the one year immediately preceding termination of Employee’s employment with Company to provide services of any kind to a competitor of Company. Employee further agrees that, in the event any individual within the groups defined by (1) and (2) of this paragraph 1.b. approaches Employee about providing services to a Company competitor, Employee shall reject such approach and not hire/otherwise engage/supervise such individual.
c.     Non-Solicitation of Customers. Employee agrees that, during Employee’s employment with Company and for a period of two years after termination of Employee’s employment with Company for any reason (regardless of who initiates such termination), Employee will not directly or indirectly solicit, divert, or take away, or attempt to solicit, divert, or take away, the business or patronage of any of the clients, customers, or accounts, or prospective clients, customers, or accounts, of Company, in each case within the geographic regions for which Employee is responsible at any time within the one year immediately preceding termination of Employee’s employment with Company (collectively, the “Territory”). Employee further agrees Employee will not, for the period specified in this paragraph 1.c., do business in any way with any entity covered by this paragraph 1.c within the Territory.
2.     Non-Competition Agreement .
a.     Acknowledgments. Employee acknowledges Company’s confidential/trade secret information and relationships with its customers, clients, employees, and other business associations are among Company’s most important assets. Employee further acknowledges that, in his/her employment with Company, he/she will have access to such information/relationships and be responsible




for developing and maintaining such information/relationships. Employee acknowledges that Company’s business encompasses all of Company’s operations, its main products and services, what subsidiaries it owns, and what markets it operates in and that for purposes of this Agreement, Company’s “Business” shall at all times mean those operations, products and services as described in Company’s most recently filed annual report on Form 10-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
b.     Restriction on Competition. The restriction on competition in this paragraph extends to all geographic areas within the Territory. Employee agrees that, during Employee’s employment with Company and for a period of two years after termination of Employee’s employment with Company for any reason (regardless of who initiates such termination), Employee will not directly or indirectly compete with Company or Company’s Business within the Territory. This agreement not to compete means Employee will not, among other things, whether as an employee, independent contractor, consultant, owner, officer, director, significant stockholder, partner, or in any other capacity (1) be affiliated with any business competitive with Company or Company’s Business within the Territory; (2) solicit orders for any product or service that is competitive with the product or services provided by Company or Company’s Business within the Territory; or (3) accept employment with a business that sells or buys products or services competitive with the products or services of Company or Company’s Business within the Territory.
3.     Confidentiality and Security .
(a)    Confidential Information. Employee understands and acknowledges that during the course of employment with Company, Employee will have access to and learn about confidential, secret, and proprietary documents, materials, data, and other information, in tangible and intangible form, of and relating to Company’s Business, including its existing and prospective customers, suppliers, and other associated third parties (“Confidential Information”). Employee further understands and acknowledges that this Confidential Information and Company’s ability to reserve it for the exclusive knowledge and use of Company is of great competitive importance and commercial value to Company, and that improper use or disclosure of the Confidential Information by Employee will cause irreparable harm to Company, for which remedies at law will not be adequate and may also cause Company to incur financial costs, loss of business advantage, liability under confidentiality agreements with third parties and civil damages or penalties.
For purposes of this Agreement, Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, all information not generally known to the public, in spoken, printed, electronic or any other form or medium, relating directly or indirectly to: business processes, practices, methods, policies, plans, documents, research, operations, services, strategies, agreements, contracts, transactions, potential transactions, negotiations, pending negotiations, know-how, trade secrets, applications, operating systems, pricing information, customer information and customer lists of Company and Company’s Business or of any other person or entity that has entrusted information to Company in confidence. The Employee understands that the above list is not exhaustive, and that Confidential Information also includes other information that is marked or otherwise identified as confidential or proprietary, or that would otherwise appear to a reasonable person to be confidential or proprietary in the context and circumstances in which the information is known or used.

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Employee understands and agrees that Confidential Information developed by Employee in the course of Employee’s employment by Company shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement as if Company furnished the same Confidential Information to Employee in the first instance. Confidential Information shall not include information that is generally available to and known by the public, provided that such disclosure to the public is through no direct or indirect fault of Employee or person(s) acting on Employee’s behalf.
(b)    Disclosure and Use Restrictions .
(1)    Employee covenants. Employee agrees and covenants:
(A)    to treat all Confidential Information as strictly confidential;
(B)
not to directly or indirectly disclose, publish, communicate, or make available Confidential Information, or allow it to be disclosed, published, communicated, or made available, in whole or part, to any entity or person whatsoever (including other employees of Company not having a need to know and authority to know and use the Confidential Information in connection with the Business and, in any event, not to anyone outside of the direct employ of Company except as required in the performance of any of Employee’s authorized employment duties to Company or with the prior consent of an authorized officer acting on behalf of Company in each instance (and then, such disclosure shall be made only within the limits and to the extent of such duties or consent); and
(C)
not to access or use any Confidential Information, and not to copy any documents, records, files, media, or other resources containing any Confidential Information, or remove any such documents, records, files, media, or other resources from the premises or control of Company except as required in the performance any of the Employee’s authorized employment duties to Company or with the prior consent of an authorized officer acting on behalf of Company in each instance (and then, such disclosure shall be made only within the limits and to the extent of such duties or consent). Employee understands and acknowledges that Employee’s obligations under this Agreement regarding any particular Confidential Information begin immediately and shall continue during and after Employee’s employment by Company until the Confidential Information has become public knowledge other than as a result of Employee’s breach of this Agreement or a breach by those acting in concert with Employee or on Employee’s behalf.
(2)
Permitted disclosures. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to:
(A)
prevent disclosure of Confidential Information as may be required by applicable law or regulation, or pursuant to the valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction or an authorized government agency, provided

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that the disclosure does not exceed the extent of disclosure required by such law, regulation or order. Employee shall promptly provide written notice of any such order to an authorized officer of Company;
(B)
prohibit or restrict Employee (or Employee’s attorney) from filing a charge or complaint with the SEC, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) or a comparable state agency, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”), or any other self-regulatory organization or any other federal or state regulatory authority (“Government Agencies”). Employee further understands that this Agreement does not limit the Employee’s ability to communicate with any securities regulatory agency or authority/Government Agencies or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any securities regulatory agency or authority/Government Agency in connection with reporting a possible securities or other law violation without notice to Company;
(C)
limit Employee’s right to receive an award for information provided to any Government Agencies/to the SEC staff or any other securities regulatory agency or authority; or
(D)
prohibits Employee from making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of law. Employee does not need prior authorization of Company to make any such reports or disclosures and is not required to notify Company that he/she has made such reports or disclosures.
(3)
Duration of Confidentiality Obligations. Employee understands and acknowledges that Employee’s obligations under this Agreement with regard to any particular Confidential Information shall commence immediately upon Employee first having access to such Confidential Information (whether before or after Employee begins employment by Company) and shall continue during and after Employee’s employment by Company until such time as such Confidential Information has become public knowledge other than as a result of Employee’s breach of this Agreement or breach by those acting in concert with the Employee or on the Employee’s behalf.
4.     General Provisions .    
a.     Legal and Equitable Relief. Employee specifically acknowledges and agrees that, in interpreting/enforcing this Agreement, a court should honor the parties’ intent to the maximum extent possible. As such, Employee specifically acknowledges and agrees (1) the restrictions in paragraphs 1-3 are necessary for the protection of the legitimate business interests, goodwill, and Confidential Information of Company and its Business; (2) the duration and scope of the restrictions in paragraphs 1-3 are reasonable as written; (3) if a court of competent jurisdiction determines the restrictions in paragraphs 1-3 are overbroad, then such court should modify those restrictions so as to be enforceable rather than void the restrictions regardless of any law or authority to the contrary, it being the parties’ intent in this Agreement to restrain unfair competition; and (4) in the event of any actual or threatened

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breach, Company shall, to the maximum extent allowed, have the right to suspend bonus payments, benefits, and/or any exercise of stock options. Employee further specifically acknowledges and agrees any breach of paragraphs 1-3 will cause Company substantial and irreparable harm and, therefore, in addition to such other remedies that may be available, including the recovery of damages from Employee, Company shall have the right to injunctive relief to restrain or enjoin any actual or threatened breach of the provisions of paragraphs 1-3. Employee further specifically acknowledges and agrees that, if Company prevails in a legal proceeding to enforce this Agreement, then Company shall be entitled to recover its costs and fees incurred, including its attorney’s fees, expert witness fees, and out-of-pocket costs, in addition to any other relief it may be granted.
b.     Severability. The terms and provisions of this Agreement are severable in whole or in part. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines any term or provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, then the remaining terms and provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
c.     Assignment. Employee may not assign this Agreement. Company may assign this Agreement in its discretion, including but not limited to any parent/subsidiary company or successor in interest to the business, or part thereof, of Company.
d.     Governing Law and Consent to Jurisdiction. Interpretation/enforcement of this Agreement shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of Kansas, irrespective of the fact that one or both of the parties now is or may become a resident of a different state and notwithstanding any authority to the contrary. Employee hereby expressly submits and consents to the exclusive personal jurisdiction and exclusive venue of the federal and state courts of competent jurisdiction in the State of Kansas, notwithstanding any authority to the contrary.
e.     No Conflicting Agreements. Employee represents to Company (1) there are no restrictions, agreements, or understandings whatsoever to which Employee is a party that would prevent or make unlawful Employee’s execution or performance of this Agreement or employment with Company and (2) Employee’s execution of this Agreement and employment with Company does not constitute a breach of any contract, agreement, or understanding, oral or written, to which Employee is a party or by which Employee is bound.
f.     Disclosure of Agreement. In the event Company has reason to believe Employee has breached or may breach this Agreement, Employee agrees Company may disclose this Agreement, without risk of liability, to a current or prospective employer of Employee or other business entity.
g.     Survival. The obligations contained in this Agreement survive the termination, for any reason whatsoever, of Employee’s employment with Company (regardless of who initiates such termination) and shall thereafter remain in full force and effect as written. The obligations contained in this Agreement also survive the promotion, transfer, demotion, and/or other change to the terms/conditions of Employee’s employment, regardless of reason, and shall thereafter remain in full force and effect as written.
h.     Nature of Agreement. This Agreement, the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of the date hereof and between the parties hereto and the agreements attached thereto or referenced therein constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersede all prior agreements or understandings, if any, between

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the parties with respect to such matters. This Agreement may be modified or amended only by an agreement in writing signed by both parties. This is not an employment agreement.
i.     No Waiver. The failure of either party to insist on the performance of any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement, or failure to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement, shall not be construed as a waiver or a relinquishment of any such provision. Any waiver or failure to enforce on any one occasion is effective only in that instance, and the obligations of either party with respect of any provision in this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.
j.     Notice of Immunity Under the Economic Espionage Act of 1996, as amended by the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement:

(1)
Employee will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for any disclosure of a trade secret that:
(A) is made:

(i)
in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and

(ii)
solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or

(B)
is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding.

(2)
If Employee files a lawsuit for retaliation by Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, Employee may disclose Company’s trade secrets to Employee’s attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding if Employee:
(A) files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and

(B) does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.

[ Signature Page Follows ]

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BY COMPLETING AND EXECUTING THIS AGREEMENT, LEGAL RIGHTS AND DUTIES ARE CREATED. EMPLOYEE IS HEREBY ADVISED TO CONSULT INDEPENDENT LEGAL COUNSEL AS TO ALL MATTERS CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT.

COMPASS MINERALS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
 
 
By:
/s/ Paul Williams
 
/s/ Fran Malecha
Name:
Paul Williams
 
Employee Name: Fran Malecha
Title:
Director, Chair of Compensation Committee
 
Date: August 3, 2017
Date:
August 3, 2017
 
 
  


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