definiens: ), or any empl oyee welfare benefit plan ( ) ( as such term s are defined in ERISA ), or any other pension, prof it sharing, retirement or thrift plan, policy, practice or arra ngement or ( ii ) any other employment, compensation, deferred compensation, incentive, severance, termination, re tention, change - in - control, employee benefit, welfa re, fringe benefit, retirement, stock purchase, stock option o r other equity - based compensation plan, policy, pro gram, practice, understanding, agreement or arrangement o f any kind whatsoever, whether formal or informal, providing for benefits for or the welfare of any or all of the current or former employees or agents o f Sellers or any ERISA Affiliate or their beneficiaries or depen dents ( all of the foregoing in items ( i ) and ( ii ) b eing referred to herein collectively as the and individually as an )