Exhibit 10.1


 


EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


 


This Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”)
is effective August 3, 2003, and is between The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (“NMG”), and Burton M. Tansky (the “Executive”).


 


1.                                       Definitions.  As used in this Agreement, the following
terms have the following meanings:


 


(a)                                  “Affiliate” means,
with respect to any entity, any other corporation, organization, association,
partnership, sole proprietorship or other type of entity, whether incorporated
or unincorporated, directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under
direct or indirect common control with such entity.


 


(b)                                 “Annual Period” means
NMG’s fiscal year.


 


(c)                                  “Board” means the
Board of Directors of NMG.


 


(d)                                 “Cause” means a
finding by the Board of one or more of the following: (i) a breach of duty by
the Executive in the course of his employment involving fraud, acts of
dishonesty (other than inadvertent acts or omissions), disloyalty, or moral
turpitude; (ii) conduct by the Executive that is materially detrimental to NMG,
monetarily or otherwise, or reflects unfavorably on NMG or the Executive to
such an extent that NMG’s best interests reasonably require the termination of
the Executive’s employment; (iii) material acts or omissions of the Executive
in violation of his obligations under this Agreement; (iv) the Executive’s
material failure to comply with or unreasonable failure to enforce NMG’s
policies concerning equal employment opportunity, including engaging in
sexually or otherwise harassing conduct; (v) the Executive’s repeated
insubordination; or (vi) the Executive’s conviction of or entry of a plea
agreement or consent decree or similar arrangement with respect to a felony or
any violation of federal or state securities laws.


 


(e)                                  “Change of Control”
means, and shall be deemed to have occurred, on or after the effective date of
this Agreement:


 


(i)                                     upon
the consummation of any transaction or series of transactions under which NMG
is merged or consolidated with any other company, other than a merger or
consolidation that would result in the stockholders of NMG immediately prior
thereto owning voting securities immediately thereafter (either by the
securities such stockholders owned immediately prior thereto remaining
outstanding or by the securities such stockholders owned immediately prior
thereto being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity)
representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting
securities of NMG, the acquiring entity or such surviving entity, as the case
may be, outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation;


 


(ii)                                  if
any person or group (as used in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (other than NMG, any trustee or other
fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of NMG, or any
company owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of NMG in
substantially the same proportions as their ownership of


 

















 


stock of NMG) becomes the
“beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of
securities of NMG representing more than 40% of (A) the shares of NMG’s Class B
Common Stock then outstanding or (B) the combined voting power (other than in
the election of directors) of all voting securities of NMG then outstanding;


 


(iii)                               if,
during any period of 24 consecutive months, individuals who at the beginning of
such period constituted the Board, and any director whose election or
nomination for election by NMG’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at
least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were
directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for
election was previously so approved, cease for any reason (other than death or
disability) to constitute at least a majority thereof; or


 


(iv)                              upon
the complete liquidation of NMG or the sale or disposition by NMG of all or
substantially all of NMG’s assets, other than a liquidation of NMG into a
wholly-owned subsidiary.


 


(f)                                    “Competitor” means
(i) any person or entity (other than NMG or an Affiliate of NMG) that owns or
operates a luxury specialty retail store; (ii) Saks Incorporated, Nordstrom,
Inc., Barneys New York, Inc., or, if those corporate names are not correct, the
businesses commonly referred to as “Saks,” “Nordstrom’s,” and “Barneys”; and
(iii) the successors to and assigns of the persons or entities described in
(ii).


 


(g)                                 “Confidential
Information” means, without limitation, all documents or information, in
whatever form or medium, concerning or evidencing sales; costs; pricing;
strategies; forecasts and long range plans; financial and tax information;
personnel information; business, marketing and operational projections, plans
and opportunities; and customer, vendor, and supplier information; but
excluding any such information that is or becomes generally available to the
public other than as a result of any breach of this Agreement or other
unauthorized disclosure by the Executive.


 


(h)                                 “Eligible Retirement,”
for purposes of the special vesting rules of Paragraph 5(c)(iii), means the
termination of the Executive’s employment with NMG or any Affiliate of NMG on
or after the date as of which the Executive is eligible for a normal retirement
benefit on account of reaching normal retirement age under the terms of The
Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. Retirement Plan (or any successor plan); provided,
however, that the Executive’s termination of employment shall not be an
“Eligible Retirement” if the Executive was terminated by NMG for Cause.


 


(i)                                     “Employment
Termination Date” means the effective date of termination of the Executive’s
employment as established under Paragraph 6(g).


 


(j)                                     “Equity Incentive
Award” means a stock option, restricted stock grant, restricted stock unit, or
other equity-based incentive award granted pursuant to The Neiman Marcus Group,
Inc. 1997 Incentive Plan (or any successor plan) or any other equity incentive
plan, program or arrangement of NMG or its Affiliates.


 


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(k)                                  “Good Reason” means
any of the following actions if taken without the Executive’s prior consent:
(i) any material failure by NMG to comply with its obligations under Paragraph
5 (Compensation and Related Matters); (ii) any material failure by NMG to
comply with its obligations under Paragraph 20 (Assumption by Successor); (iii)
a material reduction in the Executive’s responsibilities or duties except in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement; (iv) any material failure by NMG
to comply with its obligations under Paragraph 4(b) (Executive’s
responsibilities during the Senior Executive Term); (v) any permanent
relocation of the Executive’s place of business to a location 50 miles or more
from the current location; (vi) the reduction in title of the Executive as
Chief Executive Officer except in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;
(vii) following a Change of Control, the failure of the parties to reach an
agreement regarding the Executive’s responsibilities during the Senior
Executive Term after a reasonable period of negotiation in accordance with
Paragraph 4(b) unless NMG offers to retain the Executive in the position of
Chief Executive Officer of NMG; or (viii) a material breach of this Agreement
by NMG; provided that (iii) and (vi) shall not apply after the end of the CEO
Term.


 


(l)                                     “Inability to
Perform” means and shall be deemed to have occurred if the Executive has been
determined under NMG’s long-term disability plan to be eligible for long-term
disability benefits.  In the absence of
the Executive’s participation in such plan, “Inability to Perform” means that,
in the Board’s sole judgment, the Executive is unable to perform any of the
material duties of his regular position because of an illness or injury for (i)
80% or more of the normal working days during six consecutive calendar months
or (ii) 50% or more of the normal working days during twelve consecutive
calendar months.


 


(m)                               “Target Bonus” means the
target bonus under NMG’s annual incentive bonus program(s).


 


(n)                                 “Work Product” means
all ideas, works of authorship, inventions and other creations, whether or not
patentable, copyrightable, or subject to other intellectual-property
protection, that are made, conceived, developed or worked on in whole or in
part by the Executive while employed by NMG and/or any of its Affiliates, that
relate in any manner whatsoever to the business, existing or proposed, of NMG
and/or any of its Affiliates, or any other business or research or development
effort in which NMG and/or any of its Affiliates engages during the Executive’s
employment.   Work Product includes any
material previously conceived, made, developed or worked on during the
Executive’s employment with NMG prior to the effective date of this Agreement.


 


2.                                       Employment.  NMG agrees to continue to employ the
Executive (who previously was employed at-will), and the Executive agrees to
continue to be employed, for the period set forth in Paragraph 3, in the
position and with the duties and responsibilities set forth in Paragraph 4, and
upon the other terms and conditions set out in this Agreement.


 


3.                                       Term.  The employment of the Executive as provided
in Paragraph 2 shall be for five consecutive Annual Periods, commencing on
August 3, 2003 (the “Employment Term”), unless


 


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sooner terminated as provided in this
Agreement.  The Employment Term is
divided into two periods, the “CEO Term” and the “Senior Executive Term,” as
defined in Paragraph 4.  The Executive’s
employment will end upon the expiration of the Employment Term, but the end of
the Executive’s employment in that circumstance shall not constitute a
termination of employment by either party under this Agreement or give rise to
any of the obligations of NMG that arise under this Agreement as a result of a
termination of employment.


 


4.                                       Position
and Duties.


 


(a)                                  During the first
three Annual Periods of the Employment Term (the “CEO Term”), the Executive
shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer of NMG.  In such capacity, the Executive, subject to the ultimate control
and direction of the Board, shall have and exercise direct charge of and
general supervision over the business and affairs of NMG.  In addition, the Executive shall have such
other duties, functions, responsibilities, and authority as are from time to
time delegated to the Executive by the Board; provided, however, that such
duties, functions, responsibilities, and authority are reasonable and customary
for a person serving in the same or similar capacity of an enterprise
comparable to NMG.  The Executive shall
report and be accountable to the Board. 
The Executive and NMG acknowledge that one purpose of this Agreement is
to provide for a smooth and orderly transition to a new chief executive officer
in the future.  Accordingly, during the
CEO Term the Executive agrees to work with reasonable diligence to identify a
successor to the position of Chief Executive Officer of NMG.  Nothing in this Agreement, however,
prohibits the Board from undertaking its own search for a successor to the position.


 


(b)                                 During the last two
Annual Periods of the Employment Term (the “Senior Executive Term”), the
Executive shall be employed in a meaningful executive or consulting role as
determined by the Board; provided, however, that in the event that a Change of
Control occurs prior to or during the Senior Executive Term, then during the
period of the Senior Executive Term following the Change of Control, the
Executive shall be employed in such senior executive, advisory, or consulting
capacity or capacities as may be mutually agreed on in good faith from time to
time by the Executive and the Board.


 


(c)                                  During the Employment
Term, the Executive shall devote his full time, skill, and attention and his
best efforts to the business and affairs of NMG to the extent necessary to
discharge fully, faithfully, and efficiently the duties and responsibilities
delegated and assigned to the Executive in or pursuant to this Agreement,
except for usual, ordinary, and customary periods of vacation and absence due
to illness or other disability. 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive may (i) subject to the
approval of the Board, serve as a director or as a member of an advisory board
of a noncompeting company, (ii) serve as an officer or director or otherwise
participate in non-profit educational, welfare, social, religious and civil
organizations, including, without limitation, all such positions and
participation in effect as of the effective date of this Agreement, and (iii)
manage personal and family investments; provided, however, that any such
activities as described in (i), (ii) or (iii) of the preceding provisions of
this paragraph do not significantly interfere with the


 


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performance and fulfillment of
the Executive’s duties and responsibilities as an executive of NMG in
accordance with this Agreement.


 


(d)                                 In connection with the
Executive’s employment by NMG under this Agreement, the Executive shall be
based at the principal executive offices of NMG in Dallas, Texas, except for
such reasonable travel as the performance of the Executive’s duties in the
business of NMG may require.


 


(e)                                  All services that the
Executive may render to NMG or any of its Affiliates in any capacity during the
Employment Term shall be deemed to be services required by this Agreement and
the consideration for such services is that provided for in this Agreement.


 


5.                                       Compensation
and Related Matters.


 


(a)                                  Base Salary.  During each Annual Period of the Employment
Term, NMG shall pay to the Executive for his services under this Agreement an
annual base salary (“Base Salary”).  The
Base Salary on the effective date of this Agreement shall be at least
$1,200,000.00.  The Base Salary will be
reviewed annually and is subject to adjustment at the discretion of the Board,
but in no event shall NMG pay the Executive a Base Salary less than that set
forth above.  The Base Salary shall be
payable in installments in accordance with the general payroll practices of NMG,
or as otherwise mutually agreed upon.


 


(b)                                 Annual Incentives.  The Executive will participate in NMG’s
annual incentive bonus program(s) applicable to the Executive’s position, in
accordance with the terms of such program(s). 
The Executive’s Target Bonus on the effective date of this Agreement is
65% of his Base Salary.  The Target
Bonus percentage may be adjusted but may not be reduced below 65% of the
Executive’s Base Salary.  The actual
amount of any annual incentive bonus paid to the Executive will be determined
according to the terms of the annual incentive bonus program(s), including any
such terms that place the amount of any annual incentive bonus within the
discretion of the Board.


 


(c)                                  Long-term
Incentives and SERP Enhancement.


 


(i)                                     CEO
Term.  With respect to the CEO Term,
the Executive shall participate in The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. 1997 Incentive
Plan (or any successor plan) in a manner that is consistent with the
participation of other senior executives of NMG.


 


(ii)                                Senior
Executive Term.  With respect to the
Senior Executive Term, any participation of the Executive in The Neiman Marcus
Group, Inc. 1997 Incentive Plan (or any successor plan) will be at the sole
discretion of the Board.


 


(iii)                               Special
Vesting.  The provisions of any
Equity Incentive Award to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event the
Executive’s employment with NMG or any of its Affiliates is terminated by NMG
for reasons other than Cause, is terminated because of the Executive’s death,
or terminates on account of the Executive’s Eligible Retirement, then:


 


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(A)                              with
respect to any stock option granted to the Executive by NMG or any of its
Affiliates that is outstanding as of the effective date of this Agreement or
granted to the Executive by NMG or any of its Affiliates on or after such
effective date, such stock options will not terminate on account of such
termination of employment and will remain outstanding and will continue to vest
and/or become exercisable in accordance with the schedule set forth in the option
agreement or other instrument governing the option as if the Executive’s
employment had not terminated, until the earlier of ten years after the date
the option was granted or five years after the date of such termination of
employment;


 


(B)                                with
respect to any restricted stock issued to the Executive by NMG or any of its
Affiliates as of the effective date of this Agreement or issued to the
Executive by NMG or any of its Affiliates on or after such effective date that
has not yet vested as of the date of such termination of employment, such
restricted stock will not be forfeited on account of such termination of
employment and will continue to vest so that the restrictions imposed on such
restricted stock shall continue to lapse in accordance with the vesting
schedule set forth in the restricted stock agreement or other governing
instrument as if the Executive’s employment had not terminated, until five
years after the date of such termination of employment; and


 


(C)                                with
respect to any restricted stock units granted to the Executive by NMG or any of
its Affiliates on or after the effective date of this Agreement that have not
yet vested as of the date of such termination of employment, such restricted
stock units will not be forfeited on account of such termination of employment
and will continue to vest in accordance with the vesting schedule set forth in
the restricted stock unit agreement or other governing instrument as if the
Executive’s employment had not terminated, until five years after the date of
such termination of employment.


 


The provisions of this
Paragraph 5(c)(iii) are not intended to supersede or override any
noncompetition, confidentiality, nondisparagement, nonsolicitation or similar
obligations set forth in any Equity Incentive Award.


 


(iv)                              SERP
Enhancement.  At the time of the
Executive’s termination of employment with NMG and all of its Affiliates, the
Executive’s years of service for purposes of calculating his benefit under The
Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (or any
successor plan) (the “SERP”) shall be determined by multiplying his actual
service for purposes of the SERP by 2, subject to the 25-year maximum set forth
in the SERP.


 


(d)                                 Employee Benefits.  During the Employment Term, the Executive shall
be entitled to participate in all employee benefit plans, programs, and
arrangements that are generally made available by NMG to its senior executives,
including without limitation NMG’s life insurance, long-term disability, and
health plans.  The Executive agrees to
cooperate and participate in any medical or physical examinations as may be
required by any insurance company in connection with the


 


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applications for such life
and/or disability insurance policies.


 


(e)                                  Fringe Benefits.  The Executive will be entitled to the
perquisites and other fringe benefits that are made available by NMG to its
senior executives generally and to such perquisites and fringe benefits that
are made available by NMG to the Executive in particular, subject to any
applicable terms and conditions of any specific perquisite or other fringe
benefit.


 


(f)                                    Expenses.  The Executive shall be entitled to receive
reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive in
performing his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, consistent
with NMG’s policies or practices for reimbursement of expenses incurred by
other NMG senior executives.


 


(g)                                 Vacations.  During the Employment Term, the Executive
shall be eligible for vacation, sick pay, and other paid and unpaid time off in
accordance with the policies and practices of NMG.  The Executive agrees to use his vacation and other paid time off
at such times that are (i) consistent with the proper performance of his duties
and responsibilities and (ii) mutually convenient for NMG and the Executive.


 


(h)                                 Indemnification.  The Executive will be entitled to
indemnification on the same terms as indemnification is made available by NMG
to its other senior executives, whether through NMG’s bylaws or otherwise.


 


6.                                       Termination
of Employment.


 


(a)                                  Death.  The Executive’s employment shall terminate
automatically upon his death.


 


(b)                                 Inability to
Perform.  In the event of the
Executive’s Inability to Perform during the Employment Term, NMG may notify the
Executive of NMG’s termination of the Executive’s employment.


 


(c)                                  Termination by NMG
for Cause.  NMG may terminate the
Executive’s employment for Cause.  To
exercise its right to terminate the Executive pursuant to provision (iii) or
provision (v) of the definition of Cause, however, NMG must first provide the
Executive with a reasonable period of time to correct the circumstances or
events, to the extent that they may reasonably be corrected, that NMG contends
give rise to the existence of Cause under such provision.  Prior to terminating the Executive’s
employment for Cause under this Paragraph 6(c), NMG must provide the Executive
with a written notice of its intent to terminate his employment for Cause.  Such written notice must specify the
particular act or acts or failure(s) to act that form(s) the basis for the
decision to so terminate the Executive’s employment for Cause.  The Executive will be given the opportunity
within 30 calendar days of his receipt of such notice to meet with the Board to
defend himself with regard to the alleged act or acts or failure(s) to
act.  If at the conclusion of or
following such a meeting, the Board decides to proceed with the termination of
the Executive’s employment for Cause, such a termination will be effected by
providing the Executive with a Notice of Termination


 


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under Paragraph 6(f).  Upon or after NMG’s issuance of the notice
of intent to terminate the Executive’s employment for Cause, NMG may suspend
the Executive with pay pending the Board’s decision whether to proceed with the
termination.


 


(d)                                 Termination by the
Executive for Good Reason.  The
Executive may terminate his employment for Good Reason.  To exercise his right to terminate for Good
Reason, the Executive must provide written notice to NMG of his belief that
Good Reason exists, and that notice shall describe the circumstance believed to
constitute Good Reason.  If that
circumstance may reasonably be remedied, NMG shall have 30 days to effect that
remedy.  If not remedied within that
30-day period, the Executive may submit a Notice of Termination; provided,
however, that the Notice of Termination invoking the Executive’s right to
terminate his employment for Good Reason must be given no later than 60 days
after the later of (i) the first date the Executive knew or should have known
that Good Reason existed, and (ii) the end of NMG’s 30-day cure period, if
applicable; otherwise, the Executive is deemed to have accepted the circumstance(s)
that may have given rise to the existence of Good Reason.


 


(e)                                Termination by Either
Party Without Cause or Without Good Reason.  Either NMG or the Executive may terminate the Executive’s
employment without Cause or Good Reason upon at least six months’ prior written
notice to the other party.


 


(f)                                    Notice of
Termination.  Any termination of the
Executive’s employment by NMG or by the Executive (other than a termination
pursuant to Paragraph 6(a)) shall be communicated by a Notice of Termination.  A “Notice of Termination” is a written notice
that must (i) indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement
relied upon; (ii) in the case of a termination for Inability to Perform, Cause,
or Good Reason, set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances
claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under
the provision invoked, including the particular act or acts or failure(s) to
act that is or are the basis of any termination for Cause or Good Reason; and (iii)
if the termination is by the Executive under Paragraph 6(e), or by NMG for any
reason, specify the Employment Termination Date.  The failure by NMG to set forth in the Notice of Termination any
fact or circumstance that contributes to a showing of Cause shall not waive any
right of NMG or preclude NMG from asserting such fact or circumstance in
enforcing NMG’s rights.


 


(g)                                 Employment
Termination Date.  The Employment
Termination Date shall be as follows: (i) if the Executive’s employment is
terminated by his death, the date of his death; (ii) if the Executive’s
employment is terminated by NMG because of his Inability to Perform or for
Cause, the date specified in the Notice of Termination, which date shall be no
earlier than the date such notice is given; (iii) if the Executive’s employment
is terminated by the Executive for Good Reason, the date on which the Notice of
Termination is given; or (iv) if the termination is under Paragraph 6(e), the
date specified in the Notice of Termination, which date shall be no earlier
than six months after the date such notice is given.


 


(h)                                 Resignation.  In the event of termination of the
Executive’s employment (for any


 


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reason other than the death of
the Executive), the Executive agrees that if at such time he is a member of the
Board or is an officer of NMG or a director or officer of any of its
Affiliates, he shall be deemed to have resigned from such position(s) effective
on the Employment Termination Date.


 


7.                                       Compensation
Upon Termination of Employment.


 


(a)                                  Death.  If the Executive’s employment is terminated
by reason of the Executive’s death, NMG shall pay to the Executive’s estate (i)
any unpaid portion of the Executive’s Base Salary through the Employment Termination
Date (the “Compensation Payment”), (ii) any accrued but unused vacation days
(the “Vacation Payment”), (iii) any reimbursement for business travel and other
expenses to which the Executive is entitled (the “Reimbursement”), and (iv) an
amount of annual incentive pay, as described in Paragraph 5(b), equal to a
prorated portion of the Target Bonus amount for the Annual Period in which the
Employment Termination Date occurs (the “Prorated Bonus”).  This Paragraph 7(a) does not limit the
entitlement of the Executive’s estate or beneficiaries to any death or other
benefits to which the Executive may be entitled under any life insurance, stock
ownership, stock options, or other benefit plan or policy that is maintained by
NMG for the Executive’s benefit.


 


(b)                                 Inability to
Perform.  If the Executive’s
employment is terminated by reason of the Executive’s Inability to Perform, NMG
shall pay to the Executive (i) the Compensation Payment, (ii) the Vacation
Payment, (iii) the Reimbursement, and (iv) the Prorated Bonus.  This Paragraph 7(b) does not limit the
entitlement of the Executive to any amounts payable pursuant to the terms of
any applicable disability insurance plan, policy, or similar arrangement that
is maintained by NMG for the Executive’s benefit.


 


(c)                                  Termination by the
Executive Without Good Reason.  If
the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Executive pursuant to and in
compliance with Paragraph 6(e), NMG shall pay to the Executive (i) the
Compensation Payment, (ii) the Vacation Payment, (iii) the Reimbursement, and
(iv) the Prorated Bonus.


 


(d)                                 Termination for
Cause.  If the Executive’s
employment is terminated by NMG for Cause, NMG shall pay to the Executive (i)
the Compensation Payment, (ii) the Vacation Payment, and (iii) the Reimbursement.


 


(e)                                  Termination
Without Cause or With Good Reason. 
If the Executive’s employment is terminated by NMG for any reason other
than death, Inability to Perform, or Cause, or is terminated by the Executive
for Good Reason, NMG shall pay to the Executive (i) the Compensation Payment,
(ii) the Vacation Payment, and (iii) the Reimbursement.  In addition, NMG will continue to pay to the
Executive the Base Salary provided for in Paragraph 5(a) and the Target Bonus
under Paragraph 5(b), at the level in effect as of the Employment Termination
Date and at the time and in the manner such compensation would have been paid
had the Executive’s employment not been terminated, for the greater of (A) the
period of time remaining after the Employment Termination Date and before the
expiration of the Employment Term, but not to exceed three years, or (B) one
year (collectively,


 


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the “Continuing Payments”);
provided, however, that NMG’s obligation to make the Continuing Payments is
limited as follows:


 


(i)                                     if,
in the reasonable judgment of NMG, the Executive engages in any conduct that
violates Paragraph 8 or engages in any of the Restricted Activities described
in Paragraph 9, NMG’s obligation to provide the Continuing Payments, if any
such obligation remains, shall end as of the date NMG so notifies the Executive
in writing; provided, however, that NMG shall reinstate such payments if within
30 days of the date NMG so notifies the Executive in writing, the Executive
provides information to NMG that NMG determines is sufficient to establish that
the Executive did not engage in any conduct that violated Paragraph 8 or engage
in any of the Restricted Activities described in Paragraph 9;


 


(ii)                                  if
the Executive is arrested or indicted for any felony, other serious criminal
offense, or any violation of federal or state securities laws, or has any civil
enforcement action brought against him by any regulatory agency, for actions or
omissions related to his employment with NMG or any of its Affiliates, or if
NMG reasonably believes that the Executive has committed any act or omission,
either during his employment under this Agreement or if related to such
employment thereafter, that during his employment would have entitled NMG to terminate
his employment for Cause under provisions (i), (ii), (iv), or (vi) of the
definition of Cause, then NMG may suspend any remaining Continuing Payments
under this Paragraph 7(e) until the final resolution of such criminal or civil
proceedings or until the Board has made a final determination as to whether the
Executive committed such an act or omission. 
If the Executive is found guilty or enters into a plea agreement,
consent decree or similar arrangement with respect to any such criminal or
civil proceedings, or if the Board makes a finding that the Executive has
committed such an act or omission, (1) NMG’s obligation to provide the
Continuing Payments shall immediately end, and (2) the Executive shall repay to
NMG, within 30 days after a written request by NMG, any Continuing Payments
paid to him.  If any such criminal or
civil proceedings do not result in a finding of guilt or the entry of a plea
agreement or consent decree or similar arrangement, or if the Board makes a
finding that the Executive has not committed such an act or omission, NMG shall
pay to the Executive any Continuing Payments that it has suspended, with
interest on such suspended Continuing Payments at its cost of funds, and shall
make any remaining Continuing Payments due under this Paragraph 7(e).


 


(f)                                    Termination
Following Change of Control.  If,
within the two-year period following a Change of Control, the Executive’s
employment with NMG or an Affiliate or successor of NMG is terminated for any
reason other than death, Inability to Perform, or Cause, or is terminated by
the Executive for Good Reason, NMG shall pay to the Executive, in lieu of any
payments under Paragraph 7(e), the following: (i) the Compensation Payment;
(ii) the Vacation Payment; (iii) the Reimbursement; (iv) a lump-sum amount
equivalent to two times the Executive’s then-current Base Salary; and (v) a
lump-sum amount equivalent to two times the Executive’s then-current Target
Bonus.  The amounts specified in (iv)
and (v) of this Paragraph 7(f) shall be paid to the Executive within five
business days after the Employment Termination Date.


 


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(g)                                 Medical and Dental
Insurance.  If the Executive’s
employment with NMG or any Affiliate of NMG ends on account of (i) a termination
by NMG for any reason other than for death or Cause, or (ii) a termination by
the Executive for Good Reason, the Executive will receive, in addition to any
other payments due under this Agreement, the following benefit: if, at the time
his employment ends, the Executive participates in one or more health plans
offered by NMG and the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive
continued coverage under such plans in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus
Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”) or any successor law, NMG will
reimburse the Executive during the 18-month period following the Employment
Termination Date or, if shorter, the period of such actual COBRA continuation
coverage, for the total amount of the monthly COBRA premiums actually paid by
the Executive for such continued health plan benefits.


 


(h)                                 No Mitigation.  The Executive will not be required to
mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Agreement by seeking
other employment or otherwise, nor will the amount of any payment provided for
under this Agreement be reduced by any profits, income, earnings, or other
benefits received by the Executive from any source other than NMG or its
successor.


 


(i)                                     Offset.  The Executive agrees that NMG may set off
against, and he authorizes NMG to deduct from, any payments due to the
Executive, or to his heirs, legal representatives, or successors, as a result
of the termination of the Executive’s employment any amounts which may be due
and owing to NMG by the Executive, whether arising under this Agreement or
otherwise.


 


8.                                       Confidential
Information.


 


(a)                                  The Executive
acknowledges and agrees that (i) NMG is engaged in a highly competitive
business; (ii) NMG has expended considerable time and resources to develop
goodwill with its customers, vendors, and others, and to create, protect, and
exploit Confidential Information; (iii) NMG must continue to prevent the
dilution of its goodwill and unauthorized use or disclosure of its Confidential
Information to avoid irreparable harm to its legitimate business interests;
(iv) in the luxury specialty retail business, his participation in or direction
of NMG’s day-to-day operations and strategic planning are an integral part of
NMG’s continued success and goodwill; (v) given his position and responsibilities,
he necessarily will be creating Confidential Information that belongs to NMG
and enhances NMG’s goodwill, and in carrying out his responsibilities he in
turn will be relying on NMG’s goodwill and the disclosure by NMG to him of
Confidential Information; (vi) he will have access to Confidential Information
that could be used by any Competitor of NMG in a manner that would irreparably
harm NMG’s competitive position in the marketplace and dilute its goodwill; and
(vii) he necessarily would use or disclose Confidential Information if he were
to engage in competition with NMG.


 


(b)                                 NMG acknowledges and
agrees that the Executive must have and continue to have throughout his
employment the benefits and use of its and its Affiliates’ goodwill and Confidential
Information in order to properly carry out his responsibilities.  NMG accordingly promises upon


 


11

















 


execution and delivery of this
Agreement to provide the Executive immediate access to new and additional
Confidential Information and authorize him to engage in activities that will
create new and additional Confidential Information.


 


(c)                                  NMG and the Executive
thus acknowledge and agree that during the Executive’s employment with NMG and
upon execution and delivery of this Agreement he (i) has received, will
receive, and will continue to receive, Confidential Information that is unique,
proprietary, and valuable to NMG and/or its Affiliates; (ii) has created, will
create, and will continue to create, Confidential Information that is unique,
proprietary, and valuable to NMG and/or its Affiliates; and (iii) has
benefited, will benefit, and will continue to benefit, including without
limitation by way of increased earnings and earning capacity, from the goodwill
NMG and its Affiliates have generated and from the Confidential Information.


 


(d)                                 Accordingly, the
Executive acknowledges and agrees that at all times during his employment by
NMG and/or any of its Affiliates and thereafter:


 


(i)                                     all
Confidential Information shall remain and be the sole and exclusive property of
NMG and/or its Affiliates;


 


(ii)                                  he
will protect and safeguard all Confidential Information;


 


(iii)                               he
will hold all Confidential Information in strictest confidence and not,
directly or indirectly, disclose or divulge any Confidential Information to any
person other than an officer, director, or employee of, or legal counsel for,
NMG or its Affiliates, to the extent necessary for the proper performance of
his responsibilities unless authorized to do so by NMG or compelled to do so by
law or valid legal process;


 


(iv)                              if
he believes he is compelled by law or valid legal process to disclose or
divulge any Confidential Information, he will notify NMG in writing within 24
hours after receipt of legal process or other writing that causes him to form
such a belief, or as soon as practicable if he receives less than 24 hours’
notice, so that NMG may defend, limit, or otherwise protect its interests
against such disclosure;


 


(v)                                 at
the end of his employment with NMG for any reason or at the request of NMG at
any time, he will return to NMG all Confidential Information and all copies
thereof, in whatever tangible form or medium, including electronic; and


 


(vi)                              absent
the promises and representations of the Executive in this Paragraph 8 and in
Paragraph 9, NMG would require him immediately to return any tangible
Confidential Information in his possession, would not provide the Executive
with new and additional Confidential Information, would not authorize the
Executive to engage in activities that will create new and additional
Confidential Information, and would not enter or have entered into this
Agreement.


 


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9.                                       Noncompetition
and Nondisparagement Obligations. 
In consideration of NMG’s promises to provide the Executive with new and
additional Confidential Information and to authorize him to engage in
activities that will create new and additional Confidential Information upon
execution and delivery of this Agreement, and the other promises and
undertakings of NMG in this Agreement, the Executive agrees that, while he is
employed by NMG and/or any of its Affiliates and for a three-year period
following the end of that employment for any reason, he shall not engage in any
of the following activities (the “Restricted Activities”):


 


(a)                                  He will not directly
or indirectly disparage NMG or its Affiliates, any products, services, or
operations of NMG or its Affiliates, or any of the former, current, or future
officers, directors, or employees of NMG or its Affiliates;


 


(b)                                 He will not, whether
on his own behalf or on behalf of any other individual, partnership, firm,
corporation or business organization, either directly or indirectly solicit,
induce, persuade, or entice, or endeavor to solicit, induce, persuade, or
entice, any person who is then employed by or otherwise engaged to perform
services for NMG or its Affiliates to leave that employment or cease performing
those services;


 


(c)                                  He will not, whether
on his own behalf or on behalf of any other individual, partnership, firm,
corporation or business organization, either directly or indirectly solicit,
induce, persuade, or entice, or endeavor to solicit, induce, persuade, or
entice, any person who is then a customer, supplier, or vendor of NMG or any of
its Affiliates to cease being a customer, supplier, or vendor of NMG or any of
its Affiliates or to divert all or any part of such person’s or entity’s
business from NMG or any of its Affiliates; and


 


(d)                                 He will not associate
directly or indirectly, as an employee, officer, director, agent, partner,
stockholder, owner, member, representative, or consultant, with any Competitor
of NMG or any of its Affiliates, unless (i) he has advised NMG in writing in
advance of his desire to undertake such activities and the specific nature of
such activities; (ii) NMG has received written assurances (that will be
designed, among other things, to protect NMG’s and its Affiliates’ goodwill,
Confidential Information, and other important commercial interests) from the
Competitor and the Executive that are, in NMG’s sole discretion, adequate to
protect its interests; (iii) NMG, in its sole discretion, has approved in
writing such association; and (iv) the Executive and the Competitor adhere to
such assurances.  This restriction (i)
extends to the performance by the Executive, directly or indirectly, of the
same or similar activities the Executive has performed for NMG or any of its
Affiliates or such other activities that by their nature are likely to lead to
the disclosure of Confidential Information, and (ii) with respect to the
post-employment restriction, applies to any Competitor that has a retail store
within 50 miles of, or in the same Metropolitan Statistical Area as, any retail
store of NMG or any of its Affiliates. 
The Executive shall not be in violation of this Paragraph 9(d) solely as
a result of his investment in stock or other securities of a Competitor or any
of its Affiliates listed on a national securities exchange or actively traded
in the over-the-counter market if he and the members of his immediate family do
not, directly or indirectly, hold more than a total of one percent of all such
shares of stock or other securities issued and outstanding.  The


 


13

















 


Executive acknowledges and
agrees that engaging in the activities restricted by this Paragraph 9(d) would
result in the inevitable disclosure or use of Confidential Information for the
Competitor’s benefit or to the detriment of NMG or its Affiliates.


 


The Executive acknowledges and agrees that
the restrictions contained in this Paragraph 9 are ancillary to an otherwise
enforceable agreement, including without limitation the mutual promises and
undertakings set forth in Paragraph 8; that NMG’s promises and undertakings set
forth in Paragraph 8, the Executive’s position and responsibilities with NMG,
and NMG granting to the Executive ownership in NMG in the form of NMG stock,
give rise to NMG’s interest in restricting the Executive’s post-employment
activities; that such restrictions are designed to enforce the Executive’s
promises and undertakings set forth in this Paragraph 9 and his common-law
obligations and duties owed to NMG and its Affiliates; that the restrictions
are reasonable and necessary, are valid and enforceable under Texas law, and do
not impose a greater restraint than necessary to protect NMG’s goodwill,
Confidential Information, and other legitimate business interests; that he will
immediately notify NMG in writing should he believe or be advised that the
restrictions are not, or likely are not, valid or enforceable under Texas law
or the law of any other state that he contends or is advised is applicable (the
“Enforceability Notification”); that the mutual promises and undertakings of
NMG and the Executive under Paragraphs 8 and 9 are not contingent on the
duration of the Executive’s employment with NMG; and that absent the promises
and representations made by the Executive in this Paragraph 9 and Paragraph 8,
NMG would require him to return any Confidential Information in his possession,
would not provide the Executive with new and additional Confidential
Information, would not authorize the Executive to engage in activities that
will create new and additional Confidential Information, and would not enter or
have entered into this Agreement. 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, NMG agrees that the Executive’s conduct
in providing the Enforceability Notification under this Paragraph 9(d) shall
not constitute a waiver of any attorney-client privilege between the Executive
and his attorney(s).


 


10.                                 Intellectual
Property.


 


(a)                                  In consideration of
NMG’s promises and undertakings in this Agreement, the Executive agrees that
all Work Product will be disclosed promptly by the Executive to NMG, shall be
the sole and exclusive property of NMG, and is hereby assigned to NMG,
regardless of whether (i) such Work Product was conceived, made, developed or
worked on during regular hours of his employment or his time away from his
employment, (ii) the Work Product was made at the suggestion of NMG; or (iii)
the Work Product was reduced to drawing, written description, documentation,
models or other tangible form.  Without
limiting the foregoing, the Executive acknowledges that all original works of
authorship that are made by the Executive, solely or jointly with others,
within the scope of his employment and that are protectable by copyright are
“works made for hire,” as that term is defined in the United States Copyright
Act (17 U.S.C., Section 101), and are therefore owned by NMG from the time of
creation.


 


(b)                                 The Executive agrees
to assign, transfer, and set over, and the Executive does hereby assign,
transfer, and set over to NMG, all of his right, title and interest in and to
all Work Product,


 


14

















 


without the necessity of any
further compensation, and agrees that NMG is entitled to obtain and hold in its
own name all patents, copyrights, and other rights in respect of all Work Product.  The Executive agrees to (i) cooperate with
NMG during and after his employment with NMG in obtaining patents or copyrights
or other intellectual-property protection for all Work Product; (ii) execute,
acknowledge, seal and deliver all documents tendered by NMG to evidence its
ownership thereof throughout the world; and (iii) cooperate with NMG in
obtaining, defending and enforcing its rights therein.


 


(c)                                  The Executive
represents that there are no other contracts to assign inventions or other intellectual
property that are now in existence between the Executive and any other person
or entity.  The Executive further
represents that he has no other employment or undertakings that might restrict
or impair his performance of this Agreement. 
The Executive will not in connection with his employment by NMG, use or
disclose to NMG any confidential, trade secret, or other proprietary
information of any previous employer or other person that the Executive is not
lawfully entitled to disclose.


 


11.                                 Reformation.  If the provisions of Paragraphs 8, 9, or 10
are ever deemed by a court to exceed the limitations permitted by applicable
law, the Executive and NMG agree that such provisions shall be, and are,
automatically reformed to the maximum limitations permitted by such law.


 


12.                                 Assistance
in Litigation.  After the Employment
Term, the Executive shall, upon reasonable notice, furnish such information and
assistance to NMG or any of its Affiliates as may reasonably be requested by
NMG in connection with any litigation in which NMG or any of its Affiliates is,
or may become, a party.  NMG shall
reimburse the Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including
travel expenses, incurred by the Executive in rendering such assistance, but
shall have no obligation to compensate the Executive for his time in providing
information and assistance in accordance with this Paragraph 12.


 


13.                                 No
Obligation to Pay.  With regard to
any payment due to the Executive under this Agreement, it shall not be a breach
of any provision of this Agreement for NMG to fail to make such payment to the
Executive if (i) NMG is legally prohibited from making the payment; (ii) NMG
would be legally obligated to recover the payment if it was made; or (iii) the
Executive would be legally obligated to repay the payment if it was made.


 


14.                                 Legal
Fees and Expenses.  NMG will
reimburse the Executive for all reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred by
the Executive in connection with the preparation, review, and negotiation of
this Agreement prior to its execution.


 


15.                                 Survival.  The expiration or termination of the
Employment Term will not impair the rights or obligations of any party hereto
that accrue hereunder prior to such expiration or termination, except to the
extent specifically stated herein.  In
addition to the foregoing, NMG’s obligations under Paragraphs 5(h), 7, and 14,
and the Executive’s obligations under Paragraphs 8, 9, 10 and 12, will survive
the expiration or termination of Executive’s employment.


 


15

















 


16.                                 Withholding
Taxes.  NMG shall withhold from any
payments to be made to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement such amounts
(including social security contributions and federal income taxes) as shall be
required by federal, state, and local withholding tax laws.


 


17.                                 Notices.  All notices, requests, demands, and other
communications required or permitted to be given or made by either party shall
be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made (a) when delivered
personally, or (b) when deposited in the United States mail, first class
registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to the
party for which intended at the following addresses (or at such other addresses
as shall be specified by the parties by like notice, except that notices of
change of address shall be effective only upon receipt):


 


	
   

  	
  (i)

  	
  If to NMG, at:

  
	
   

  	
   

  	
   

  
	
   

  	
   

  	
  The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.

  
	
   

  	
   

  	
  Attn:
  General Counsel

  
	
   

  	
   

  	
  1618 Main
  Street

  
	
   

  	
   

  	
  Dallas, TX
  75201

  
	
   

  	
   

  	
   

  
	
   

  	
  (ii)

  	
  If to the
  Executive, at the Executive’s then-current home address on file with NMG.

  



 


18.                                 Injunctive
Relief.  The Executive acknowledges
and agrees that NMG would not have an adequate remedy at law and would be
irreparably harmed in the event that any of the provisions of Paragraphs 8, 9,
and 10 were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were
otherwise breached.  Accordingly, the
Executive agrees that NMG shall be entitled to equitable relief, including preliminary
and permanent injunctions and specific performance, in the event the Executive
breaches or threatens to breach any of the provisions of such Paragraphs,
without the necessity of posting any bond or proving special damages or
irreparable injury.  Such remedies shall
not be deemed to be the exclusive remedies for a breach or threatened breach of
this Agreement by the Executive, but shall be in addition to all other remedies
available to NMG at law or equity.


 


19.                                 Binding Effect; No
Assignment by the Executive; No Third Party Benefit.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective heirs, legal
representatives, successors, and assigns; provided, however, that the Executive
shall not assign or otherwise transfer this Agreement or any of his rights or
obligations herein.  NMG is authorized
to assign or otherwise transfer this Agreement or any of its rights or
obligations herein to an Affiliate of NMG. 
The Executive shall not have any right to pledge, hypothecate,
anticipate, or in any way create a lien upon any payments or other benefits
provided under this Agreement; and no benefits payable under this Agreement
shall be assignable in anticipation of payment either by voluntary or
involuntary acts, or by operation of law, except by will or pursuant to the
laws of descent and distribution. 
Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall
confer upon any person other than the parties, and their respective heirs,
legal representatives, successors, and


 


16

















 


permitted assigns, any rights,
benefits, or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this
Agreement.


 


20.                                 Assumption by
Successor.  NMG shall require any
successor or assignee (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger,
consolidation, or otherwise) to all or substantially all the business and/or
assets of NMG, by agreement in writing in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Executive, expressly, absolutely, and unconditionally to
assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same
extent that NMG would be required to perform it if no such succession or
assignment had taken place.  If NMG
fails to obtain such agreement by the effective time of any such succession or
assignment, such failure shall be considered Good Reason; provided, however,
that the compensation to which the Executive would be entitled upon a
termination for Good Reason pursuant to Paragraph 7(e) shall be the sole remedy
of the Executive for any failure by NMG to obtain such agreement.  As used in this Agreement, “NMG” shall
include any successor or assignee (whether direct or indirect, by purchase,
merger, consolidation, or otherwise) to all or substantially all the business
and/or assets of NMG that executes and delivers the agreement provided for in
this Paragraph 20 or that otherwise becomes obligated under this Agreement by
operation of law.


 


21.                                 Governing Law;
Venue.  This Agreement and the
employment of the Executive shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas
except for its laws with respect to conflict of laws.  The exclusive forum for any lawsuit arising from or related to
the Executive’s employment or this Agreement shall be a state or federal court
in Dallas County, Texas.  This provision
does not prevent NMG from removing to an appropriate federal court any action
brought in state court.  THE
EXECUTIVE HEREBY CONSENTS TO, AND WAIVES ANY OBJECTIONS TO, REMOVAL TO FEDERAL
COURT BY NMG OF ANY ACTION BROUGHT AGAINST IT BY THE EXECUTIVE.


 


22.                               JURY
TRIAL WAIVER.  IN THE EVENT THAT ANY
DISPUTE ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE EXECUTIVE’S EMPLOYMENT
WITH NMG RESULTS IN A LAWSUIT, BOTH NMG AND THE EXECUTIVE MUTUALLY WAIVE ANY
RIGHT THEY MAY OTHERWISE HAVE FOR A JURY TO DECIDE THE ISSUES IN THE LAWSUIT,
REGARDLESS OF THE PARTY OR PARTIES ASSERTING CLAIMS IN THE LAWSUIT OR THE
NATURE OF SUCH CLAIMS.  NMG AND THE
EXECUTIVE IRREVOCABLY AGREE THAT ALL ISSUES IN SUCH A LAWSUIT SHALL BE DECIDED
BY A JUDGE RATHER THAN A JURY.


 


23.                                 Entire Agreement.  This Agreement contains the entire agreement
between the parties concerning the subject matter hereof and supersedes all
prior agreements and understandings, written and oral, between the parties with
respect to the subject matter of this Agreement.  In particular, but without limitation, this Agreement supersedes
and replaces in its entirety that certain Termination and Change of Control
Agreement between the Executive and NMG dated October 6, 1999, as well as that
certain letter, dated November 11, 1999, from Gerald T. Hughes of NMG to the
Executive, both of which are hereby terminated.


 


17

















 


24.                                 Modification;
Waiver.  No person, other than
pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the members of the Board, shall have
authority on behalf of NMG to agree to modify, amend, or waive any provision of
this Agreement.  Further, this Agreement
may not be changed orally, but only by a written agreement signed by the party
against whom any waiver, change, amendment, modification or discharge is sought
to be enforced.  Each party to this
Agreement acknowledges and agrees that no breach of this Agreement by the other
party or failure to enforce or insist on its or his rights under this Agreement
shall constitute a waiver or abandonment of any such rights or defense to
enforcement of such rights.


 


25.                                 Construction.  This Agreement is to be construed as a
whole, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against any of
the parties.


 


26.                                 Severability.  If any provision of this Agreement shall be
determined by a court to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions
of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby, shall remain in full force and
effect, and shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable
law.


 


27.                                 Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed by the
parties in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an
original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement.


 


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, NMG has caused this
Agreement to be executed on its behalf by its duly authorized officer, and the
Executive has executed this Agreement, effective as of the date first set forth
above.


 


THE
NEIMAN MARCUS GROUP, INC.


 


 


	
  By:

  	
   /s/ NELSON A. BANGS

  	
   

  	
   /s/ BURTON M. TANSKY

  	
   

  
	
  Printed
  Name:  Nelson A. Bangs

  	
  Burton M.
  Tansky

  
	
  Title:  Senior Vice President

  	
   

  



 


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