Exhibit 10.10


 


EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


 


This Employment Agreement is made and entered into on December 8,
2009 by and among Manhattan Bancorp (“MB”)
and Kyle Ransford (“Executive”)
for the purposes set forth hereinafter (“Agreement”).


 


W I T N E S S E T H


 


WHEREAS, MB is a California corporation and bank
holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as
amended, subject to the supervision and regulation of the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”);


 


WHEREAS, MB is the parent holding company for Bank of
Manhattan, N.A. (“Bank”), which
is a national banking association and wholly-owned subsidiary of MB, subject to
the supervision and regulation of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
(“OCC”);


 


WHEREAS, MB desires to employ Executive in the
capacity of Chairman of the Board of MB, and Executive desires to accept such
employment.


 


WHEREAS, it is the intention of the parties to enter
into this Agreement setting forth the terms of such employment.


 


NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual
covenants and agreements contained herein, MB and Executive agree as follows:


 


A.                                   TERM OF EMPLOYMENT


 


The term of this
Agreement (“Term”) shall commence October 1,
2009 (the “Effective Date”), and
end on October 31, 2012 subject,
however, to prior termination of this Agreement as hereinafter provided.  Where used herein, “Term” shall refer to the
entire period of employment of Executive by MB hereunder, whether for the
period provided above, or whether terminated earlier as hereinafter provided.


 


B.                                     DUTIES OF EXECUTIVE


 


1.                                       Duties.  Executive shall perform the duties of
Chairman of the Board of MB, reporting directly to the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of MB, and subject, at all times,
to the powers vested by law in the Board of MB and its respective
shareholders.  Executive shall also serve
as a member of the Boards of MB and Bank throughout the Term.  In addition, Executive shall have
responsibility for the oversight of all non-bank investments of MB and shall
act as the chief strategy officer of MB, consulting with the Board and
executives of MB respecting strategic initiatives and opportunities.  During the Term, Executive shall perform the
services herein contemplated to be performed by Executive faithfully,
diligently and to the best of Executive’s ability, consistent with the highest
and best standards of the banking industry and 


 

















 


in compliance with all applicable laws and MB’s Articles of
Incorporation, Bylaws and internal written policies.


 


2.                                       Conflicts of Interest.  Except as permitted by the prior written
consent of the Board of MB, Executive shall devote Executive’s entire
productive time, ability and attention to the business of MB during the Term
and Executive shall not directly or indirectly render any services of a
business, commercial or professional nature, to any other person, firm or
corporation, whether for compensation or otherwise, which are in conflict with
MB’s interests.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, Executive may (a) make investments of a passive nature in any
business or venture, provided that such business or venture is not in
competition, directly or indirectly, in any manner with MB, and (b) maintain
involvement and provide services to outside business interests not to exceed
five (5) hours per week of Executive’s time.


 


C.                                     COMPENSATION


 


1.                                       Salary.  For Executive’s services hereunder, MB shall
pay or cause to be paid as annual base salary (the “Base Salary”) to Executive not less than Two Hundred Twenty
Five Thousand Dollars ($225,000), with annual increases in the discretion of
the Board or MB’s Compensation Committee. 
Base Salary shall be payable in equal installments in conformity with
the Bank’s normal payroll period.


 


2.                                       Bonuses.  Any bonuses shall be as determined by the
Board of MB, in its sole discretion.


 


3.                                       Stock Option.  MB shall grant Executive an option to
purchase up to 57,450 shares of MB’s authorized but unissued Common Stock at
such time as the Board, and to the extent required by the Board, the
shareholders of MB have approved amendments to the existing stock option or
incentive plan of MB or created new plans expanding the equity incentive pool
sufficiently to accommodate such grants. 
The option price shall be the greater of the tangible book value per
share of the Common Stock and the fair market value of the stock on the date of
the grant of such option.  Such option
has a term of ten (10) years from the date of the granting thereof and
shall vest in accordance with MB’s vesting policies over a period of not less
than three years, at the date of grant with the first such installment to vest
one year from the date of this Agreement, and with subsequent installments
vesting as determined by the Bank.


 


4.                                       Stock
Incentive Grant.  In the event
that MB elects to enter the distressed asset management business, including the
acquisition, management and disposition of senior and mezzanine real estate
loans, and commercial and industrial loans (the “Business”),
either directly or by establishing a subsidiary for such purpose, Executive
will be granted a restricted stock award of 100,000 shares of MB Common Stock
subject to the terms and conditions set forth below and of the form of
restricted stock award agreement then used by MB in connection with restricted
stock awards.


 


(a)                                  The Board shall
have determined to enter the Business utilizing investors, management resources
and/or contacts identified by Executive or affiliated parties prior to the date
hereof on a schedule provided to MB and hereby assigned by Executive to MB (“Assigned Resources).


 


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(b)                                 MB shall have
obtained all regulatory authorizations or approvals required or deemed
appropriate by the Board to engage in the Business.


 


(c)                                  The Board and,
to the extent required by the Board, the shareholders of MB, shall have
approved an amendment to the existing stock option or incentive plan of MB or
created new plans expanding the equity incentive pool sufficiently to
accommodate the Award.


 


(d)                                 The Award will
be granted as close as is reasonably practicable to satisfaction of the
condition set forth in Subparagraph C.4(c) above.


 


(e)                                  The Award shall
vest (i) in three annual installments of 331/3% per year over a period of three (3) years, with the first such
installment to vest one year from the date of this Agreement, and with
subsequent installments vesting two and three years thereafter contingent upon
Executive’s employment by MB as of such vesting date (“the Service
Vesting Condition”), and (ii) subject to satisfaction of the
Additional Vesting Conditions not later than five years from the date of this
Agreement.  The “Additional
Vesting Conditions” shall be the (iii) Business having achieved
$50,000,000 in average assets under management, and (iv) the satisfaction
of the Board with the revenues and earnings of the Business in its sole
discretion.  The Award shall expire and
the shares represented thereby surrendered to MB if the Additional Vesting
Conditions are not satisfied within five years of the date of this Agreement.


 


(f)                                    If the Award
has been granted and a Change in Control (as defined herein) of MB or the Bank
occurs, then the Service Vesting Condition shall accelerate and be deemed
satisfied as long as Executive is still employed by MB.  In the event the Business is commenced by MB
prior to a Change in Control, the Additional Vesting Conditions shall also be
deemed to have been satisfied upon such Change in Control.  In the event the Business has not been
commenced prior to the Change in Control, the Award shall expire and be surrendered
to MB.


 


D.                                    EXECUTIVE BENEFITS


 


1.                                       Vacation.  Executive shall be entitled to vacation
during each year of the Term consistent with MB’s approved vacation schedule
and policy, which shall provide Executive with not less than four (4) weeks’
vacation for each year of the Term. 
Executive is encouraged to use all accrued vacation benefits and will be
expected to take vacation in the year it is earned.  Accrual of any unused vacation shall be
determined in accordance with MB’s Personnel Policy as in effect from time to
time and shall be subject to any limitations set forth therein.


 


2.                                       Group Medical and Other Insurance Benefits.  MB shall provide for Executive,
at MB’s expense, group medical and other insurance benefits in accordance with
MB’s Personnel Policy as in effect from time to time.  All coverage under this paragraph shall be in
existence or shall take effect as of the Effective Date hereof, subject to any
policy waiting periods.  MB’s liability
to Executive for any breach of this paragraph shall be limited to the amount of
premiums required hereunder to be payable by MB to obtain or maintain, as
applicable, the coverage contemplated herein.


 


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3.                                       Auto Allowance.  During the Term, Executive shall be entitled
to receive One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) per month as a car allowance.


 


E.                                      REIMBURSEMENT FOR BUSINESS
EXPENSES


 


Executive shall be
entitled to reimbursement by MB for any ordinary and necessary business
expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of Executive’s duties in
accordance with MB’s reimbursement policies in effect from time to time,
provided that each such expenditure is of a nature qualifying it as a proper
deduction on the federal and state income tax returns of MB as a business
expense and not as deductible compensation to Executive; and Executive
furnishes to MB adequate records and other documentary evidence required by
federal and state statutes and regulations issued by the appropriate taxing
authorities for the substantiation of such expenditures as deductible business
expenses of MB and not as deductible compensation to Executive.


 


F.                                      TERMINATION


 


1.                                       Termination for Cause.  MB may terminate this Agreement at any time
by action of its Board for cause (“Cause”).  For purposes of this Agreement termination
for “Cause” shall mean termination because of Executive’s personal dishonesty,
incompetence, willful misconduct, any breach of fiduciary duty involving
personal profit, intentional failure to perform stated duties, willful violation
of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar
offenses) or final cease-and-desist order or material breach of any provision
of this Agreement.  For purposes of this
Agreement, no act, or the failure to act, on Executive’s part shall be
considered “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, not in good faith and
without reasonable belief that the action or omission was in the best interests
of MB.  Termination under this Paragraph
shall not prejudice any remedy that MB may have at law, in equity, or under
this Agreement.


 


2.                                       Death or Disability.  In the event of Executive’s death or if
Executive is found to be physically or mentally disabled (as hereinafter
defined) by the Board of MB in good faith, this Agreement shall terminate
without any further liability or obligation by MB to Executive.  For purposes of this Agreement only, physical
or mental disability shall be defined as Executive having been unable to fully
perform under this Agreement for a continuous period of ninety (90) days or a
cumulative period of one-hundred eighty (180) days in any calendar year, or, if
applicable, such other periods as may be defined in the Bank’s Personnel Policy
or in applicable disability insurance policies as in effect from time to time.  If there should be a dispute between MB and
Executive as to Executive’s physical or mental disability for purposes of this
Agreement, the question shall be settled by the opinion of an impartial
reputable physician or psychiatrist agreed upon by the parties or their
representatives, or if the parties cannot agree within ten (10) days after
a request for designation of such party, then by a physician or psychiatrist
designated by the Los Angeles County Medical Association.  The certification of such physician or
psychiatrist as to the question in dispute shall be final and binding upon the
parties hereto.  MB shall bear the costs
of such physician or psychiatrist selected to determine such matter.


 


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3.                                       [Reserved].


 


4.                                       Termination Without Cause.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained herein, it is agreed by the parties hereto that MB may at any time
without Cause and for any reason immediately terminate this Agreement and
Executive’s employment by MB by action of the Board.  Upon such termination by MB all benefits
provided by MB hereunder to Executive shall thereupon cease, except as provided
in this Subparagraph F.4 or Subparagraph F.5, and Executive shall be deemed to
have voluntarily resigned as a director, officer and employee of MB and any
corporation, partnership, venture, limited liability company or other entity
controlled by, controlling or under common control with the Bank or MB, and
shall deliver such written resignations as MB may request.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is agreed
that in the event of such termination without Cause by MB upon the delivery to
MB by Executive of a waiver and release in substantially the form of Attachment
“A” to this Agreement, and Executive’s compliance with the terms thereof,
Executive shall be entitled to, upon the effective date of termination, payment
of a lump sum equivalent to twelve (12) months’ base salary as such base salary
is in effect on the date of termination of employment, plus continuation of
Executive’s medical benefits for a period of twelve (12) months following such
termination, with MB continuing to pay Executive’s share of premiums and
associated costs as if Executive continued to be employed with MB; provided,
however, that MB’s obligation to provide such coverage shall be terminated if
Executive is eligible to receive comparable substitute coverage from another
employer at any time during such twelve-month period.  Executive agrees to advise MB immediately if
such comparable substitute coverage is available from another employer.  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary
in this Subparagraph F.4, no severance benefits shall be payable to Executive
hereunder if Executive’s employment is terminated for any of the reasons delineated
in Subparagraphs F.1 or F.2 hereof or while grounds for termination under such
Subparagraphs exist, and no severance benefits shall be payable to Executive
under this Subparagraph F.4 if payments are required to be made to Executive
under Subparagraph F.5 hereof.


 


5.                                       Termination Following Change in Control.


 


(a)                                  In the event a Change in
Control of the Bank or MB occurs (as defined below) and Executive’s employment
as Chairman of the Board of MB is terminated without Cause by MB, then
Executive shall be entitled, upon such termination of employment and upon
delivery to MB of an executed waiver and release in substantially the form of
Attachment “A” to this Agreement, to payment of a lump sum equivalent to two (2) times
the highest annual cash compensation amount paid to Executive by MB within the
three years preceding the Change in Control and to the continuation of
Executive’s coverage under the group medical care provided at the time of
termination for a period of twenty four (24) months following such termination;
provided, however, MB’s obligation to provide such coverage shall be terminated
if Executive obtains comparable substitute coverage from another employer at
any time during such 24-month period. 
Executive agrees to advise MB immediately if such comparable substitute
coverage is obtained from another employer. 
Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Subparagraph F.5,
no severance benefits shall be payable to Executive hereunder if Executive’s
employment is terminated for any of the reasons delineated in 


 


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Subparagraphs F.1 or F.2 hereof or while grounds for termination under
such Subparagraphs exist.


 


(b)                                 A “Change in Control” of the Bank or MB occurs
upon the effective date of the first to occur of the following events:


 


(i)                                     Merger, Consolidation, and
Other Transactions.  Any (A) merger
where the Bank or MB, or a corporation in which the Bank’s or MB’s shareholders
as constituted immediately prior to the merger do not own at least 50% of such
corporation’s common stock or 50% of the common stock of the parent of such
corporation following such merger in the same proportions as their ownership
interests in the Bank or MB prior to such transaction, is not the surviving
corporation; (B) a transfer of all or a substantial portion (50% or more)
of the assets of the Bank or MB to another corporation or other person in which
the Bank’s or MB’s shareholders as constituted immediately prior to such
transfer do not own at least 50% of the common stock or 50% of the common stock
of the parent of such corporation (or an equivalent economic interest in the
case of a transferee that is not a corporation) following such transfer in the
same proportions as their ownership interests in the Bank or MB prior to such
transaction; or (C) the liquidation or dissolution of the Bank or MB,
except for a liquidation or dissolution in which the assets and liabilities of
the Bank or MB are transferred to a transferee in which the owners of the Bank’s
or MB’s common stock as constituted immediately prior to the transaction own at
least 50% of the common stock or 50% of the common stock of the parent of the
transferee (or an equivalent economic interest in the case of a transferee that
is not a corporation) following such liquidation or dissolution in the same
proportions as their ownership interests in the Bank or MB prior to such
transaction; or


 


(ii)                                  Majority Stockholder.  Any person (as such term is used in Section 13(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), together with its
affiliates (but excluding the Bank’s employee benefit plans and the individuals
who were the Bank’s or MB’s officers or directors on the date of this Agreement
or their affiliates), becomes the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13(d)(3) under
the Exchange Act) of more than 50% of the Bank’s or MB’s outstanding common
stock.


 


(iii)                               Regulatory Exception.  Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary
set forth herein, a “Change in Control” shall not include any sale of stock or
securities, merger, transfer of assets, consolidation, liquidation,
reorganization or other transaction instituted by or at the request of the OCC,
FRB or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to resolve any supervisory
concerns respecting the Bank or MB.


 


(c)                                  Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary in this Subparagraph F.5, no severance benefits shall be payable
to Executive hereunder if Executive’s employment is terminated for any of the
reasons delineated in Subparagraphs F.1 or F.2 hereof, or while grounds for
termination under such Subparagraphs exist.


 


6.                                       Golden Parachute Limitation.  Severance compensation under Subparagraphs
F.4 and F.5 hereof will be reduced as provided below to avoid the penalties
imposed on “parachute payments” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”).


 


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(a)                                  If the present value of all
of Executive’s severance compensation provided by MB under Subparagraph F.4 or
F.5 hereof and outside this Agreement is high enough to cause any such payment
to be a “parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(2) of the
Code), then one or more of such payments will be reduced by the minimum amount
required to prevent the severance compensation under this Agreement from being
a “parachute payment.”


 


(b)                                 Executive may direct MB
regarding the order of reducing severance compensation and other payments from
MB to comply with this Subparagraph F.6.


 


7.                                       Section 409A Limitation.  It is the intention of MB and Executive that
the severance and other benefits payable to Executive under this Agreement
either be exempt from, or otherwise comply with, Section 409A (“Section 409A”) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended. 
Notwithstanding any other term or provision of this Agreement, to the
extent that any provision of this Agreement is determined by MB, with the
advice of its independent accounting firm or other tax advisors, to be subject
to and not in compliance with Section 409A, including, without limitation,
the definition of “Change in Control” or the timing of commencement and
completion of severance benefit and/or other benefit payments to Executive
hereunder in connection with a merger, recapitalization, sale of shares or
other “Change in Control”, or the amount of any such payments, such provisions
shall be interpreted in the manner required to comply with Section 409A.  MB and Executive acknowledge and agree that
such interpretation could, among other matters, (i) limit the
circumstances or events that constitute a “Change in Control;” (ii) delay
for a period of six (6) months or more, or otherwise modify the commencement
of severance and/or other benefit payments; and/or (iii) modify the
completion date of severance and/or other benefit payments.  MB and Executive further acknowledge and
agree that if, in the judgment of MB, with the advice of its independent accounting
firm or other tax advisors, amendment of this Agreement is necessary to comply
with Section 409A, MB and Executive will negotiate reasonably and in good
faith to amend the terms of this Agreement to the extent necessary so that it
complies (with the most limited possible economic effect on MB and Executive)
with Section 409A.  For example, if
this Agreement is subject to Section 409A and it requires that severance
and/or other benefit payments must be delayed until at least six (6) months
after Executive terminates employment, then MB and Executive would delay
payments and/or promptly seek a written amendment to this Agreement that would,
if permissible under Section 409A, eliminate any such payments otherwise
payable during the first six (6) months following Executive’s termination
of employment and substitute therefore a lump sum payment or an initial
installment payment, as applicable, at the beginning of the seventh (7th) month
following Executive’s termination of employment which in the case of an initial
installment payment would be equal in the aggregate to the amount of all such
payments thus eliminated.


 


G.                                     GENERAL PROVISIONS


 


1.                                       Trade Secrets.  During the Term, Executive will have access
to and become acquainted with what Executive and MB acknowledge are trade
secrets, to wit, knowledge or data concerning MB and its subsidiaries,
including their operations and methods of doing business, and the identity of
customers of MB, including knowledge of their financial condition and their
financial needs.  Executive shall not
disclose any of the aforesaid trade 


 


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secrets, directly or indirectly, or use them in any way either during
the Term or thereafter, except as required in the course of Executive’s
employment with MB.


 


2.                                       Indemnification.  To the extent permitted by law, applicable
statutes and the Bylaws or resolutions of MB in effect from time to time, MB
shall indemnify Executive against liability or loss arising out of Executive’s
actual or asserted misfeasance or non-feasance in the performance of Executive’s
duties or out of any actual or asserted wrongful act against, or by MB or its
subsidiaries, including but not limited to judgments, fines, settlements and
legal and other expenses incurred in the defense of actions, proceedings and
appeals there from.  However, MB shall
have no duty to indemnify Executive with respect to any claim, issue or matter
as to which Executive has been adjudged to be liable to MB in the performance
of his duties, unless and only to the extent that the court in which such
action was brought shall determine upon application that, in view of all of the
circumstances of the case, Executive is fairly and reasonably entitled to
indemnification for the expenses which such court shall determine.  MB shall endeavor to apply for and obtain
Directors and Officers Liability Insurance to indemnify and insure MB and
Executive from and against the aforesaid liabilities.  The provisions of this paragraph shall apply
to the estate, executor, administrator, heirs, legatees or devisees of
Executive.  The obligations of MB under
this Subparagraph G.2 shall continue through and after the Term of this
Agreement.


 


3.                                       Return of Documents.  Executive expressly agrees that all manuals,
documents, files, reports, studies, instruments or other materials used and/or
developed by Executive during the Term are solely the property of the Bank and
MB, and that Executive has no right, title or interest therein.  Upon termination of this Agreement, Executive
or Executive’s representative shall promptly deliver possession of all of said
property to MB in good condition.


 


4.                                       Non-solicitation.  During the Term and for a period of one year
thereafter, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, engage or participate
in the solicitation or any attempt to solicit employees of MB or its
subsidiaries to work for any person, firm or business.


 


5.                                       Controlling Law.  This Agreement is to be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the United States and, to the extent
not inconsistent therewith, the laws of the State of California.


 


6.                                       Invalid Provisions.  Should any provision of this Agreement for
any reason be declared invalid, void, or unenforceable by a court of competent
jurisdiction, the validity and binding effect of any remaining portion shall
not be affected, and the remaining portions of this Agreement shall remain in
full force and effect as if this Agreement had been executed with said
provision eliminated.


 


7.                                       Entire Agreement.  This Agreement and the Stock Option
Agreements contain the entire agreement of the parties.  It supersedes any and all other agreements,
either oral or in writing, between the parties hereto with respect to the
employment of Executive by MB.  Each
party to this Agreement acknowledges that no representations, inducements,
promises, or agreements, oral or otherwise, have been made by any party, or
anyone acting on behalf of any party, which are not embodied herein, and that
no other agreement, statement, or 


 


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promise not contained in this Agreement shall be valid or binding.  This Agreement may not be modified or amended
by oral agreement, but only by an agreement in writing signed by both MB and
Executive.


 


8.                                       Notice.  For the purposes of this Agreement, notices,
demands and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in
writing and shall be personally delivered or (unless otherwise specified)
mailed by United States mail, or sent by facsimile, provided that the facsimile
cover sheet contains a notation of the date and time of transmission, and shall
be deemed received:  (i) if
personally delivered, upon the date of delivery to the address of the person to
receive such notice, (ii) if mailed in accordance with the provisions of
this Subparagraph G.8, three (3) business days after the date placed in
the United States mail, or (iii) if given by facsimile, when sent.  Notices shall be addressed to MB at its main
office and to Executive at the address then maintained by MB in its records for
Executive, or to such other respective addresses as the parties hereto shall
designate to the other by like notice.


 


9.                                       Arbitration.  Any dispute or controversy
arising under or in connection with this Agreement, the inception or
termination of Executive’s employment, or any alleged discrimination or
statutory or tort claim related to such employment, including issues raised
regarding the Agreement’s formation, interpretation or breach, shall be settled
exclusively by binding arbitration in Los Angeles, California in accordance
with the National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the
American Arbitration Association (“AAA”).  Without limiting the foregoing, the following
potential claims by Executive could be subject to arbitration under the
Arbitration Agreement:  claims for wages
or other compensation due; claims for breach of any contract or covenant
(express or implied) under which Executive believes he would be entitled to
compensation or benefits; tort claims related to such employment; claims for
discrimination and harassment (including, but not limited to, race, sex,
religion, national origin, age, marital status or medical condition,
disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by
federal, state or local law); claims for benefits (except where an employee
benefit or pension plan specifies that its claims procedure shall culminate in
an arbitration or other procedure different from this one); and claims for
violation of any public policy, federal, state or other governmental law,
statute, regulation or ordinance.  The
arbitration will be conducted in Los Angeles County.  The arbitration shall provide for written
discovery and depositions adequate to give the parties access to documents and
witnesses that are essential to the dispute. 
The arbitrator shall have no authority to add to or to modify this
Agreement, shall apply all applicable law, and shall have no lesser and no
greater remedial authority than would a court of law resolving the same claim
or controversy.  The arbitrator shall
issue a written decision that includes the essential findings and conclusions
upon which the decision is based, which shall be signed and dated.  Executive and MB shall each bear his or their
own costs and attorneys’ fees incurred in conducting the arbitration and,
except in such disputes where Executive assets a claim otherwise under a state
or federal statute prohibiting discrimination in employment (a “Statutory
Claim”), or unless required otherwise by applicable law, shall split
equally the fees and administrative costs charged by the arbitrator and AAA
between Executive, on the one hand, and MB on the other hand.  In disputes where Executive asserts a Statutory
Claim against MB, Executive shall be required to pay only the AAA filing fee to
the extent such filing fee does not exceed the fee to file a complaint in state
or federal court.  Executive shall pay
the balance of the 


 


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arbitrator’s fees and administrative costs.  Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s
award in any court having jurisdiction.


 


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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this
Agreement as of the day and year first above written.


 


	
   

  	
  MANHATTAN BANCORP  

  
	
   

  	
   

  
	
   

  	
   

  
	
   

  	
  By:

  	
  /s/ Harry Chenoweth

  
	
  By:

  	
   

  	
  /s/ Kyle Ransford

  	
   

  	
   

  	
  Harry Chenoweth, 

  
	
  Kyle Ransford

  	
   

  	
  Chairman, Compensation Committee

  
	
  (“Executive”)

  	
   

  	
   

  
						



 


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WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT


 


This Waiver and Release Agreement (the “Waiver Agreement”) is entered into by and
between Kyle Ransford (“Employee”)
and Manhattan Bancorp on its behalf and on behalf of its parents, subsidiaries,
affiliates and successors-in-interest (collectively, “Employer”).


 


RECITALS


 


A.                                   Employee and Employer have entered into
an Employment Agreement dated as of December 8, 2009 (the “Agreement”).


 


B.                                     A condition precedent to certain of
Employer’s obligations under the Agreement is the execution of this Waiver
Agreement.


 


NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing
premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, and for other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties, intending to be legally bound, agree and covenant as
follows:


 


RELEASE


 


In consideration for the payment of severance and
other compensation under the Agreement, Employee agrees unconditionally and
forever to release and discharge Employer its parents, subsidiaries, affiliates,
successors-in-interest, and their respective officers, directors, managers,
employees, members, shareholders, representatives, attorneys, agents and
assigns from any and all claims, actions, causes of action, demands, rights or
damages of any kind or nature which Employee may now have, or ever have,
whether known or unknown, that arise out of or in any way relate to Employee’s
employment with, or separation from, Employer on or before the date of
execution of this Waiver Agreement. 
Employee also confirms his resignation as a director, officer and
employee of Employer and any corporation, partnership, venture, limited
liability company or other entity controlled by, controlling or under common
control with Employer.


 


This release specifically includes, but is not limited
to, any claims for discrimination and/or violation of any statutes, rules,
regulations or ordinances, whether federal, state or local, including, but not
limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, age claims
under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended by the Older
Workers Benefits Protection Act of 1990, the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, as amended, the California Fair Employment and Housing
Act, the California Labor Code, the Equal Pay Act, the Americans With
Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Racketeer Influenced and
Corrupt Organizations Act, the Financial Reform Recovery and Enforcement Act of
1989, and/or Section 1981 of Title 42 of the United State Code.


 


Employee further agrees knowingly to waive the
provisions and protections of Section 1542 of the California Civil Code,
which reads:


 


Attachment A


 

















 


A
general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or
suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the release, which, if
known by him, must have materially affected his settlement with the debtor.


 


REPRESENTATIONS OF EMPLOYEE


 


Employee represents and agrees that, prior to the
execution of this Waiver Agreement, Employee has had the opportunity to discuss
the terms of this Waiver Agreement with legal counsel of Employee’s choosing.


 


Employee affirms that no promise or inducement was
made to cause Employee to enter into this Waiver Agreement other than the
inducements provided in the Agreement. 
Employee further confirms that Employee has not relied upon any other
statement or representation by anyone other than what is in this Waiver
Agreement as a basis for Employee’s agreement.


 


MISCELLANEOUS


 


Except for the Agreement and any other employee
benefit plans expressly referred to in the Agreement as continuing following
Employee’s termination of employment with Employer, this Waiver Agreement sets
forth the entire agreement between Employee and Employer, and shall be binding
on both party’s heirs, representatives and successors.  This Waiver Agreement shall be construed
under the laws of the State of California, both procedurally and
substantively.  If any portion of this
Waiver Agreement is found to be illegal or unenforceable, such action shall not
affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining paragraphs or
subparagraphs of this Waiver Agreement.


 


Employee acknowledges that Employee has been advised
that Employee has twenty-one (21) days to consider this Waiver Agreement, and
that Employee was informed that Employee has the right to consult with counsel
regarding this Waiver Agreement.  To the
extent Employee has taken less than twenty-one (21) days to consider this
Waiver Agreement, Employee acknowledges that Employee has had sufficient time
to consider the Waiver Agreement and to consult with counsel, and that Employee
does not desire additional time.


 


This Waiver Agreement is revocable by Employee for a
period of seven (7) days following Employee’s execution of this Waiver
Agreement. The revocation by Employee of this Waiver Agreement must be in
writing, must specifically revoke this Waiver Agreement and must be received by
Employer prior to the eighth (8th) day following the execution of this Waiver
Agreement by Employee.  This Waiver
Agreement becomes effective, enforceable and irrevocable on the eighth (8th)
day following Employee’s execution of the Waiver Agreement.  No payment will be made to the undersigned
until such date.


 

















 


The undersigned agree to the terms of this Waiver
Agreement and voluntarily enters into it with the intent to be bound hereby.


 


 


	
  DATED:

  	
   

  	
   

  	
   

  
	
   

  	
   

  	
  Kyle Ransford

  
	
   

  	
   

  	
   

  
	
   

  	
   

  	
   

  
	
   

  	
   

  	
  Manhattan Bancorp

  
	
   

  	
   

  	
   

  
	
   

  	
   

  	
   

  
	
  DATED:

  	
   

  	
   

  	
  By:

  	
   

  



 


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