Source: http://corpdocs.gmianalyst.com/contracts/ceo_13537.htm
Timestamp: 2017-08-24 08:31:59
Document Index: 99050153

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 2601', '§ 2000', '§ 621', '§ 12101', '§2101', '§ 1001']

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), is made and entered into as of March 16, 2008 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Griffon Corporation, a Delaware corporation, with its principal office located at 100 Jericho Quadrangle, Jericho, New York 11753-2794 (together with its successors and assigns permitted under this Agreement, “Griffon”) and Ronald J. Kramer (“Kramer”).
WHEREAS, Griffon has determined that it is in the best interests of Griffon and its stockholders to employ Kramer as its Chief Executive Officer; and
WHEREAS, Griffon wishes to assure itself of the services of Kramer for the period hereinafter provided, and Kramer is willing to be employed by Griffon for said period, upon the terms and conditions provided in this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is mutually acknowledged, Griffon and Kramer (individually a “Party” and together the “Parties” ) agree as follows:
(a) “Affiliate” means any person or entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with Griffon.
(b) “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of Griffon.
(i) Kramer’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony, excluding DWI (or any similar offense);
(ii) any material breach of the Agreement by Kramer which is not promptly cured, if curable, in accordance with Section 9(d); or
(iii) Kramer’s willful misconduct or gross negligence that is materially economically injurious to Griffon. For purposes of this Section 1(c)(iii), no act or failure to act on the part of Kramer shall be considered “willful” unless it is committed, or omitted to be done, by him in bad faith or without reasonable belief that his action or omission was in the best interests of Griffon.
(d) “Change in Control” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events after the Commencement Date (as defined in Section 2(b)):
(i) the acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended (the “Exchange Act”) (a “Person”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of voting securities of Griffon when such acquisition causes such Person to beneficially own thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of Griffon entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Griffon Voting Securities”); provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (i), the following acquisitions shall not be deemed to result in a Change in Control: (A) any acquisition directly from Griffon, (B) any acquisition by Griffon, (C) any acquisition by (x) any employee benefit plan (or related trust) intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code or (y) any rabbi trust or feeder trust established in connection with any broad-based employee benefit plan or any employee benefit plan in which Kramer is the sole participant, in each case, sponsored or maintained by Griffon or any corporation controlled by Griffon, or (D) any acquisition pursuant to a transaction that complies with clauses (A) or (B) of subsection (iii) below;
(ii) during any period of thirty (30) consecutive months, individuals who at the beginning of such period and any new director whose election by the Board or nomination for election by Griffon’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of any such period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board, but excluding any such new director whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board;
(iii) the consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation or similar form of transaction involving Griffon or any of its subsidiaries (“Business Combination”); excluding, however, such a Business Combination (A) pursuant to which all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Griffon Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than seventy percent (70%) of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of the Outstanding Griffon Voting Securities, or (B) effected to implement a recapitalization or reorganization of Griffon (or similar transaction) in which no Person acquires more than 30% of the combined voting power of Griffon’s then outstanding securities; or
(iv) a complete liquidation or dissolution of Griffon or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of Griffon, other than to any Subsidiary or any Affiliate.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not include any event, circumstance or transaction that results from an action of any Person, entity or group which includes, is affiliated with or is wholly or partly controlled by one or more executive officers of Griffon and in which Kramer participates directly or actively (other than a renegotiation of his employment arrangements or in his capacity as an employee of Griffon or any successor entity thereto or to the business of Griffon).
(g) “Disability” shall mean Kramer’s inability to substantially perform his duties due to physical or mental impairment for six (6) consecutive months and, within thirty (30) days after a notice of termination is given to Kramer, Kramer has not returned to work.
(h) “Employment Term” shall mean the period specified in Section 2(b) below.
(i) “Fiscal Year” shall mean the 12-month period beginning on October 1 and ending on the next subsequent September 30, or such other 12-month period as may constitute Griffon’s fiscal year at any time hereafter.
(j) “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events without Kramer’s prior written consent:
(i) the failure of Kramer to be appointed to the positions set forth in Section 2(c) (other than the Chairmanship of the Board), if not promptly cured after written notice, or the hiring of any officer to serve in a capacity equal or senior to Kramer;
(ii) the assignment to Kramer of duties materially inconsistent with his status as the chief executive officer of a publicly-traded company or a materially adverse alteration in the nature of Kramer’s duties and/or responsibilities, reporting obligations, titles or authority, as set forth in Section 2(c);
(iii) a reduction by Griffon of Kramer’s Base Salary or Target Bonus percentage;
(iv) the relocation of Kramer’s own office location more than twenty five (25) miles from Griffon’s current headquarters;
(v) Griffon’s failure to provide any employee benefits due to be provided to Kramer;
(vi) any purported termination of Kramer’s employment for Cause which is not substantially effected pursuant to the procedures described in Section 9(d);
(vii) any material breach of the Agreement by Griffon; or
(viii) a failure of Griffon to have any successor assume in writing the obligations under the Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Good Reason shall not be deemed to exist unless Kramer gives Griffon prior notice within sixty (60) days after the occurrence of the event which Kramer believes constitutes the basis for Good Reason, specifying the particular act or failure to act which Kramer believes constitutes the basis for Good Reason. If Griffon fails to cure such act or failure to act, if curable, within thirty (30) days after receipt of such notice, Kramer may terminate his employment for Good Reason. For the avoidance of doubt, if such act is not curable, Kramer may terminate his employment for Good Reason upon providing such notice.
(k) “Salary” shall mean the annual salary provided for in Section 3 below, as adjusted from time to time.
(l) “Subsidiary” shall mean any entity of which Griffon owns, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of its voting stock or voting interests.
2. EMPLOYMENT TERM, POSITIONS AND DUTIES.
(a) Employment of Kramer. Griffon hereby employs Kramer, and Kramer hereby accepts employment with Griffon, in the positions and with the duties and responsibilities set forth below and upon such other terms and conditions as are hereinafter stated. Kramer shall render services to Griffon principally at Griffon’s corporate headquarters, but he shall do such traveling on behalf of Griffon as shall be reasonably required in the course of the performance of his duties hereunder.
(b) Employment Term. Unless earlier terminated under Section 9 hereof, the Employment Term shall commence as of April 1, 2008 (the “Commencement Date”), and shall continue for a three year period, renewing daily, unless either Party provides notice of non-renewal. Upon such notice of non-renewal, the Employment Term shall continue for three years from the date such notice is received by the non-notifying Party.
(c) Titles and Duties.
(i) During the Employment Term, Kramer shall be employed as Chief Executive Officer, reporting to the Board. In his capacity as Chief Executive Officer, Kramer shall perform such duties as are consistent with his title and position as Chief Executive Officer of a publicly-traded company.
(ii) During the Employment Term, Kramer shall continue to serve as Vice Chairman of the Board. If the current Chairman of the Board ceases to hold such position, the Board will give due consideration to Kramer’s appointment as Chairman of the Board.
(d) Time and Effort. Kramer shall devote his best efforts and abilities, and substantially all his business time, to the performance of his duties under the Agreement; provided that he shall, to the extent same does not substantially interfere with the performance of his duties hereunder, be permitted to: (i) serve on corporate and civic boards and committees; (ii) deliver lectures, fulfill speaking engagements or teach at educational institutions; (iii) manage personal and family investments and (iv) engage in investment management business activities that are not competitive with the businesses of Griffon.
(a) Initial Salary. For the remainder of the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2008 and for the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2009, Kramer shall receive from Griffon a Salary, payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of Griffon, in an amount of $775,000 per annum.
(b) Cost-of-Living Increase. Commencing with the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2009 and for each Fiscal Year thereafter during the Employment Term, Kramer’s Salary shall be increased annually at the end of each Fiscal Year, by an amount not less than increase in the cost of living for the immediately preceding year, as reported in the “Consumer Price Index, New York and Northeastern New Jersey, All Items,” published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (or, if such index is no longer published, a successor or comparable index that is published).
(c) Salary Increase. In addition to the Cost of Living Increase described in Section 3(b) above, Kramer’s Salary shall be reviewed annually for possible increases (but not decreases) commencing October 1, 2009. Any amount to which Kramer’s Salary is increased, as provided in Section 3(b) above, Section 3(c) or otherwise, shall not thereafter be reduced without his prior written consent.
(a) 2008 Guaranteed Bonus. Within 60 business days following the end of the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2008, Griffon shall pay to Kramer a guaranteed bonus equal to $581,250.
(b) Annual Bonus. Commencing with the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2009 and for each Fiscal Year thereafter during the Employment Term, Kramer shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus of between 0% and 250% of Salary, with a target bonus of 150% of Salary (the “Target Bonus”), in accordance with Griffon’s 2006 Performance Bonus Plan or another plan or plans providing him annual award opportunities. Any such bonus shall be based on the achievement of performance objectives to be determined by the Board (or the Committee) after consultation with Kramer. Such performance criteria shall be communicated to Kramer in writing within ninety (90) days after the commencement of the applicable performance period. Any bonus payable for any Fiscal Year shall be paid within sixty (60) days of the end of the Fiscal Year during which it is earned.
(c) Discretionary Bonus. Kramer shall be eligible to receive additional bonuses during the Employment Term. The amount and the occasion for payment of such bonus, if any, shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
(a) Restricted Stock. On the Commencement Date, Kramer shall receive, pursuant to the Griffon Corporation 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and an award agreement issued thereunder, a restricted stock grant (the “Initial Restricted Stock Grant”) of 250,000 shares of common stock of Griffon (the “Common Stock”). Subject to Kramer’s continued employment with Griffon (except as otherwise provided in Section 9(g)), the Initial Restricted Stock Grant shall vest in full on the third anniversary of the Commencement Date. The restricted stock award agreement shall permit Kramer to satisfy his withholding obligations by having Griffon withhold a sufficient number of shares to satisfy such obligations. Additionally, on or shortly after October 1, 2008, Kramer shall receive, pursuant to the Plan and an award agreement issued thereunder, a restricted stock grant of an additional 75,000 shares of Common Stock on the same terms as the Initial Restricted Stock Grant which shall also vest, subject to Kramer’s continued employment with Griffon (except as otherwise provided in Section 9(g)), on the third anniversary of the Commencement Date. On or about October 1, 2009, Kramer shall receive, pursuant to the Plan and an award agreement issued thereunder, a restricted stock grant of an additional 25,000 shares of Common Stock on the same terms as the Initial Restricted Stock Grant which shall also vest, subject to Kramer’s continued employment with Griffon (except as otherwise provided in Section 9(g)), on the third anniversary of the Commencement Date.
(b) Stock Options. On or shortly after October 1, 2008, Kramer shall be granted, pursuant to the Plan and an award agreement issued thereunder, a non-qualified stock option (the “Initial Stock Option Grant”) to purchase 350,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price equal to the greater of $20 per share or the fair market value on the date of grant. Subject to Kramer’s continued employment with Griffon (except as otherwise provided in Section 9(g)), the Initial Stock Option Grant shall vest and become exercisable in three equal installments on each anniversary of the Commencement Date. The option agreement will contain a “cashless” exercise feature for the payment of both the exercise price and applicable withholding taxes. If Kramer is not permitted to exercise the option (or any portion thereof) because of a company-imposed or regulatory-imposed restriction on trading of Griffon’s common stock (e.g., during any “blackout” period), and the option would otherwise expire during such restriction period, the expiration date of the option shall be extended by the Committee so that Kramer may exercise the option (or any portion thereof) for ninety (90) days following the end of such restriction period but in no event shall such extension extend beyond the tenth anniversary of the grant date.
(c) Subsequent Grants. The Board (or the Committee) shall consider making additional equity grants to Kramer at least annually. Subject to the Committee’s approval at the time of grant, it is the intention of Griffon that such awards, if any, shall (i) be subject to the same terms and conditions relating to Change in Control and vesting on termination of employment as the Initial Restricted Stock Grant or the Initial Stock Option Grant, as applicable; (ii) with respect to any time-based vesting conditions on restricted stock or stock units, vest on a basis that is no less favorable than the third anniversary of such subsequent grant date; and (iii) with respect to any time-based vesting conditions on options or stock appreciation rights, vest over a three year period in equal installments on each anniversary of such subsequent grant date.
(i) Adjustment. All amounts set forth in this Section 5 shall be subject to adjustment as provided for in the Plan.
(ii) Agreements. The terms and conditions of any stock award or option agreement shall be consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and the Plan (or any stock award or option agreement), the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall govern and control.
(iii) Registration. Griffon represents that the shares subject to the awards described in Section 5 above shall be registered on a Form S-8 or other appropriate registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
6. BUSINESS AND TRAVEL EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT; CERTAIN OTHER COSTS.
(a) Business Expenses. Kramer shall be entitled to prompt reimbursement by Griffon for all reasonable business expenses incurred by him during the Employment Term in performing services under this Agreement, upon his proper submission of such accounts and records as may be reasonably required by Griffon.
(b) Travel Expenses. Kramer shall be entitled to prompt reimbursement by Griffon for all reasonable travel expenses incurred by him during the Employment Term while performing duties on behalf of Griffon (including, without limitation, first class air travel), upon his proper submission of such accounts and records as may be reasonably required by Griffon.
(c) Other Costs. Griffon shall reimburse Kramer for reasonable attorneys fees and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation and negotiation of this Agreement.
All reimbursements under this Section 6 shall be made as soon as practicable following submission of a reimbursement request, but no later than the end of the year following the year during which the underlying expense was incurred.
7. PERQUISITES.
During the Employment Term, Griffon shall provide Kramer with the following perquisites:
(a) an office of a size and with furnishings and other appointments, and exclusive personal secretarial and other assistance, at a level appropriate for a chief executive officer of a publicly traded corporation; and
(b) use of an automobile and payment of all related expenses, including, without limitation, lease payments, insurance, maintenance and parking, subject to Kramer’s prompt submission of such accounts and records as may be reasonably required by Griffon.
All reimbursements under this Section 7(b) shall be made as soon as practicable following submission of a reimbursement request, but no later than the end of the year following the year during which the underlying expense was incurred.
(a) General. During the Employment Term, Kramer shall be entitled to participate in all employee benefit plans and programs made available to Griffon’s senior executives or to its employees generally, in accordance with the terms and conditions of such plans and programs and as such plans or programs may be in effect from time to time, including without limitation, pension and other retirement plans, profit-sharing plans, savings and similar plans, group life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, travel accident insurance, hospitalization insurance, surgical insurance, major and excess medical insurance, dental insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, sick leave (including salary continuation arrangements), holidays, vacation (not less than four weeks in any calendar year) and any other employee benefit plans or programs that may be sponsored by Griffon from time to time, including plans that supplement the above-listed plans, whether funded or unfunded; provided however, that Kramer shall not be entitled to participate in any supplemental retirement plan, any non-qualified deferred compensation plan or any retiree medical plan unless such participation is specifically designated by the Board; and provided further that approval by the Board of this Agreement shall not constitute such designation.
(b) Medical Care Insurance. During the Employment Term, Griffon shall provide Kramer, his spouse and his dependents with hospitalization insurance, surgical insurance, major and excess major medical insurance and dental insurance in accordance with the most favorable plans, policies, programs and practices of Griffon and its Subsidiaries made available generally to all other senior executive officers of Griffon and its Subsidiaries as a group, as in effect from time to time.
(c) Life Insurance Benefit. In addition to the group life insurance available to employees generally, Griffon shall provide Kramer with an individual life insurance policy with a death benefit of at least $5,000,000.
(a) Voluntary Termination. Kramer may terminate his employment voluntarily at any time during the Employment Term. If he does so, except for Good Reason, he shall be entitled to receive only the compensation and benefits specified in Section 9(b).
(b) General. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in the event of any termination of Kramer’s employment during the Employment Term (including by reason of his death), he shall be entitled to receive as soon as administratively feasible following such termination, but in any event, except as provided below, within fifteen (15) days thereafter (in addition to the applicable payments and benefits he may also be entitled to receive under subsections (c) through (g) below, as applicable):
(i) accrued but unpaid Salary through the date of termination;
(ii) any accrued but unused vacation;
(iii) any annual bonus earned for the Fiscal Year completed prior to the year of termination but not yet paid to him; and
(iv) reimbursement in accordance with Section 6 above of any expenses incurred by him through the date of termination but not yet paid to him.
Additionally, Kramer shall receive any other compensation or benefits, including, without limitation, benefits under equity grants and awards described in Section 5 above and employee benefits under plans described in Section 8 above, that have vested through the date of termination or to which he may then be entitled in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions of each grant, award or plan.
For purposes of Section 9(b)(iii) above, “earned” shall mean that all performance goals for the applicable performance period have been met and certified to by the Committee whether or not Kramer is still actually employed on the date the Committee certifies such results; provided however, that no annual bonus shall be deemed earned if Kramer is terminated for Cause or such payment would result in non-deductibility under Code Section 162(m) to the extent such bonus would have otherwise been deductible if Kramer were still employed by Griffon. The Committee shall, with respect to Kramer, conduct its certification process in a manner substantially consistent with past practices and any such bonus shall be paid at the time such bonus would have been paid had Kramer been still employed by Griffon.
(c) Termination Due to Disability. If, during the Employment Term, Kramer’s employment is terminated by Griffon due to Disability, he shall be entitled, in addition to the compensation and benefits specified in Section 9(b), to receive:
(i) a pro-rata bonus for the year of termination equal to the Target Bonus multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of completed days in the Fiscal Year of Kramer’s termination of employment during which Kramer was employed by Griffon and the denominator of which is 365 (the “Pro-Rata Bonus Payment”), as soon as administratively feasible following such termination, but in any event within fifteen (15) days;
(ii) severance for twelve (12) months payable in twelve (12) equal monthly installments and commencing on the first payroll period following such termination in the amount of one-twelfth the sum of (A) the Salary plus (B) the highest bonus paid to Kramer in the 3-year period prior to such termination (but in no event less than the Target Bonus for the year of termination), provided however, that if a termination due to Disability occurs within two years after an event described in Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(v) of the Code (a “409A CIC”), Kramer shall receive a lump sum payment of the amount described above in lieu of such monthly installments, as soon as administratively feasible following such termination, but in any event, within fifteen (15) days thereafter; and
(iii) if Kramer (or his beneficiaries) elects continued medical coverage under COBRA, Griffon shall pay for coverage under COBRA for 18 months following such termination.
(d) Termination by Griffon for Cause. Griffon may terminate Kramer’s employment hereunder for Cause, provided however, that no termination for Cause shall be effective unless (i) the decision is made by a majority of the Board at a Board meeting, held for such purpose, where Kramer and his counsel had an opportunity to be heard on at least ten (10) days prior notice; (ii) Griffon gives Kramer notice of the Board’s decision to terminate Kramer’s employment for Cause specifying the particular act or failure to act which is the basis for such decision; and (iii) Kramer fails to cure such act or failure to act to the satisfaction of the Board within thirty (30) days after such notice. In the event that Kramer’s employment is terminated for Cause, he shall be entitled to receive only the compensation and benefits specified in Section 9(b).
(e) Termination by Griffon Without Cause or by Kramer for Good Reason. If, during the Employment Term, Griffon terminates Kramer’s employment without Cause or Kramer terminates his employment for Good Reason, in either such case, other than within two years after a Change in Control which qualifies as a 409A CIC, he shall be entitled to receive, upon the execution and non-revocation of a release substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, but in no event later than forty-five (45) days after such termination, in addition to the compensation and benefits specified in Section 9(b):
(i) severance for twelve (12) months payable in twelve (12) equal monthly installments and commencing on the first payroll period following such termination in the amount of:
(A) in the case of a termination under Section 9(e) on or prior to the third anniversary of the Commencement Date or any such termination that occurs after such third anniversary, but within two years after a Change in Control which does not qualify as a 409A CIC, one-twelfth of three times the sum of (x) the Salary plus (y) the highest bonus paid to Kramer in the 3-year period immediately prior to such termination (but in no event less than the Target Bonus for the year of termination); or
(B) except as provided in subsection (A), in the case of a termination under Section 9(e) after the third anniversary of the Commencement Date, one-twelfth of two times the sum of (x) the Salary plus (y) the highest bonus paid to Kramer in the 3-year period immediately prior to such termination (but in no event less than the Target Bonus for the year of termination);
(ii) a payment in the amount of either:
(A) with respect to a termination occurring under this Section 9(e) on or before September 30, 2009, a Pro-Rata Bonus Payment to be paid as soon as administratively feasible following such termination, but in any event within fifteen (15) days thereafter, or
(B) with respect to a termination under this Section 9(e) occurring after September 30, 2009, a pro-rated portion of the bonus which would have otherwise been paid for the year of termination had Kramer’s employment not been terminated, to be paid at such time as such bonus would otherwise have been paid; and
(iii) if Kramer elects to continue his medical coverage under COBRA, Griffon will pay for coverage under COBRA for 18 months following such termination.
(f) Termination by Griffon Without Cause or by Kramer for Good Reason Within Two Years After a Change in Control. If, during the Employment Term, Griffon terminates Kramer’s employment without Cause or Kramer terminates his employment for Good Reason, in either such case, within two years after a Change in Control which qualifies as a 409A CIC, he shall be entitled to receive, upon the execution and non-revocation of a release substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, but in no event later than forty-five (45) days after such termination, in addition to the compensation and benefits specified in Section 9(b):
(i) a lump sum payment, as soon as administratively feasible following such termination, but in any event within ten (10) days thereafter, equal to three times the sum of (A) the Salary plus (B) the highest bonus paid to Kramer in the 3-year period immediately prior to such termination (but in no event less than the Target Bonus for the year of termination);
(A) with respect to a termination occurring under this Section 9(f) on or before September 30, 2009, a Pro-Rata Bonus Payment to be paid as soon as administratively feasible following such termination, but in any event within ten (10) days thereafter, or
(B) with respect to a termination under this Section 9(f) occurring after September 30, 2009, a pro-rated portion of the bonus which would have otherwise been paid for the year of termination had Kramer’s employment not been terminated, to be paid at such time as such bonus would otherwise have been paid; and
(g) Vesting of Equity Upon Certain Events.
(i) Termination by Griffon Without Cause or by Kramer for Good Reason. If, during the Employment Term, Griffon terminates Kramer’s employment without Cause or Kramer terminates his employment for Good Reason, in either such case (A) all restricted stock referred to above in Section 5 not yet issued shall be issued as soon as such issuance is permissible under the terms of the Plan and shall be fully vested upon such issuance; and (B) all of his then outstanding equity compensation awards shall immediately vest and, in the case of options, shall remain exercisable for one year after such termination of employment.
(ii) Change in Control, Termination Due to Death or Disability. Upon a Change in Control or a termination of Kramer’s employment due to death or Disability, all Kramer’s then outstanding equity compensation awards shall immediately vest and become exercisable.
(h) Specified Employee. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if (i) Kramer is to receive payments or benefits under Section 9 by reason of his separation from service (as such term is defined in Section 409A of the Code) other than as a result of his death, (ii) Kramer is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Code Section 409A for the period in which the payment or benefits would otherwise commence, and (iii) such payment or benefit would otherwise subject Kramer to any tax, interest or penalty imposed under Section 409A of the Code (or any regulation promulgated thereunder) if the payment or benefit would commence within six months of a termination of Kramer’s employment, then such payment or benefit required under Section 9 shall not commence until the first day which is at least six months after the termination of Kramer’s employment. Each severance installment contemplated under this Section 9 shall be treated as a separate payment in a series of separate payments under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii). Such payments or benefits, together with simple interest calculated at LIBOR as of the date of such separation from service, which would have otherwise been required to be made over such six month period, shall be paid to Kramer in one lump sum payment or otherwise provided to Kramer as soon as administratively feasible after the first day which is at least six months after the termination of Kramer’s employment. Thereafter, the payments and benefits shall continue, if applicable, for the relevant period set forth above. For purposes of this Agreement, all references to “termination of employment” and other similar language shall be deemed to refer to Kramer’s “separation from service” as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h), including, without limitation, the default presumptions thereof.
(i) Miscellaneous. For the avoidance of doubt, if applicable, Kramer shall only be entitled to receive the payments and benefits provided under Section 9(e) or 9(f), which ever is applicable, but not under both such sections.
10. NO DUTY TO MITIGATE.
Kramer shall not be required to mitigate damages or the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor will any payment hereunder be subject to offset in the event Kramer does receive compensation for any reason from any other source.
11. PARACHUTES.
(i) Change in Control On or Prior to Fourth Anniversary of the Commencement Date. Upon the occurrence of a change in control or ownership (or other similar event) on or prior to the fourth anniversary of the Commencement Date, if all or any portion of the payments provided under this Agreement, and/or any other payments and benefits that Kramer receives or is entitled to receive from Griffon, a Subsidiary or any other person, whether or not under an existing plan, arrangement or other agreement, constitutes an excess “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G(b) of the Code (each such parachute payment, a “Parachute Payment”) and will result in the imposition on Kramer of an excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code, then, in addition to any other benefits to which Kramer is entitled under this Agreement, Griffon shall pay him an amount in cash equal to the sum of the excise taxes payable by him by reason of receiving Parachute Payments, plus the amount necessary to put him in the same after-tax position (taking into account any and all applicable federal, state and local excise, income or other taxes at the highest possible applicable rates on such Parachute Payments (including without limitation any payments under this Section 12) as if no excise taxes had been imposed with respect to Parachute Payments (the “Parachute Gross-up”)). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the aggregate amount of Parachute Payments is no more than 10% greater than the aggregate amount of Payments that may be made to Kramer without incurring an excise tax (the “Safe-Harbor Amount”), Kramer shall not be entitled to a Gross-Up Payment and the Parachute Payments shall instead be reduced in an amount sufficient to reduce the aggregate amount of Parachute Payments below the Safe-Harbor Amount.
(ii) Other Change in Control. Upon a Change in Control following the fourth anniversary of the Commencement Date, in the event that it would be economically advantageous for Kramer, the Parachute Payments shall be reduced by an amount that results in the receipt by Kramer on an after-tax basis (including the applicable federal, state and local income taxes, and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code) of the greatest total Parachute Payments.
(b) Computation. The amount of any payment under this Section 11 shall be computed by a certified public accounting firm of national reputation selected by Griffon and acceptable to Kramer. If Griffon or Kramer disputes the computation rendered by such accounting firm, Griffon shall select an alternative certified public accounting firm of national reputation to perform the applicable computation. If the two accounting firms cannot agree upon the computations, Kramer and Griffon shall jointly appoint a third certified public accounting firm of national reputation within ten (10) calendar days after the two conflicting computations have been rendered. Such third accounting firm shall be asked to determine within thirty (30) calendar days the computation of the Parachute Gross-up to be paid to Kramer, and payments shall be made accordingly. The cost and expenses of all the accounting firms retained to perform the computations described above shall be borne by Griffon.
(c) Payment. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the determination, it is possible that the Parachute Gross-Up which will not have been made by Griffon should have been made (“Underpayment”) or a Parachute Gross-Up is made by Griffon which should not have been made (“Overpayment”), consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. If Kramer thereafter is required to may payment of any additional excise tax, the accounting firm initially selected by Griffon and acceptable to Kramer under Section 11(b) shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and any such Underpayment (together with interest at the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code) shall be promptly paid by Griffon to or for the benefit of Kramer. In the event the amount of the Parachute Gross-Up exceeds the amount necessary to reimburse Kramer for the applicable excise tax, such accounting firm shall determine the amount of the Overpayment that has been made and any such Overpayment (together with interest at the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code) shall be promptly paid by Kramer (to the extent he has received a refund if the applicable excise tax has been paid to the Internal Revenue Service) to or for the benefit of Griffon. Kramer shall cooperate, to the extent his expenses are reimbursed by Griffon, with (i) any reasonable requests by Griffon to apply for a refund and (ii) any contest or disputes with the Internal Revenue Service in connection with the excise tax.
(d) Any payment due to Kramer under this Section 11 shall be made to Kramer, or on behalf of Kramer, as soon as practicable after the determination of the amount of such payment, but no sooner than the date on which Griffon is required to withhold such amount or Kramer is required to pay such amount to the Internal Revenue Service. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all payments under this Section 11 shall be made to Kramer, or on Kramer’s behalf, no later than the end of the year following the year in which Kramer or Griffon paid the related taxes, interest or penalties.
(a) Kramer shall not, during the Employment Term and at any time thereafter, without the prior express written consent of Griffon, directly or indirectly divulge, disclose or make available or accessible any Confidential Information (as defined below) to any person, firm, partnership, corporation, trust or any other entity or third party (other than when required to do so in good faith to perform his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement or when (i) required to do so by a lawful order of a court of competent jurisdiction, any governmental authority or agency, or any recognized subpoena power, or (ii) necessary to prosecute his rights against Griffon or its Affiliates or to defend himself against any allegations). Kramer shall also proffer to the Board’s designee, no later than the effective date of any termination of his employment with Griffon for any reason, and without retaining any copies, notes or excerpts thereof, all memoranda, computer disks or other media, computer programs, diaries, notes, records, data, customer or client lists, marketing plans and strategies, and any other documents consisting of or containing Confidential Information that are in Kramer’s actual or constructive possession or which are subject to his control at such time. For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” shall mean all information respecting the business and activities of Griffon, or any Affiliate of Griffon, including, without limitation, the clients, customers, suppliers, employees, consultants, computer or other files, projects, products, computer disks or other media, computer hardware or computer software programs, inventions, trade secrets, marketing plans, financial information, methodologies, know-how, processes, practices, approaches, projections, forecasts, formats, systems, data gathering methods and/or strategies of Griffon or any Affiliate. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, Confidential Information shall not include any information that is, or becomes, generally available to the public (unless such availability occurs as a result of Kramer’s breach of any portion of this Section 12.
(b) Kramer understands and agrees that the rights and obligations set forth in this Section 12 shall extend beyond the Employment Term.
13. OTHER RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS.
(a) Non-Solicitation. During the Employment Term and for twelve (12) months following any termination of Kramer’s employment with Griffon, Kramer shall not (except on Griffon’s behalf), directly or indirectly, on his own behalf or on behalf of any other person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity, solicit, induce, or attempt to cause any employee or consultant of Griffon or its Affiliates to leave Griffon or the Affiliate; provided however, that any general solicitations for employment not specifically directed at Griffon shall not be deemed to be in breach of this provision.
(b) Non-Competition. During the Employment Term and for twelve (12) months following any termination of Kramer’s employment with Griffon, Kramer shall not, directly or indirectly, engage, without the consent of Griffon, in any business or activity, whether as an employee, consultant, partner, principal, agent, representative, stockholder or in any other capacity, or render any services or provide any advice to any business, activity, person or entity which competes with any of the businesses of Griffon; provided, however, that Kramer’s ownership of not more than five percent (5%) of the stock of any publicly-traded corporation shall not be a violation of this Section 13. Kramer acknowledges that his skills are such that he can be gainfully employed in noncompetitive employment and that the agreement not to compete will in no way prevent him from earning a living.
(c) Inventions. Each Invention (as defined below) made, conceived or first actually reduced to practice by Kramer, whether alone or jointly with others, during the Employment Term, shall be promptly disclosed in writing to the Board. Such report shall be sufficiently complete in technical detail and appropriately illustrated by sketch or diagram to convey to one skilled in the art of which the invention pertains, a clear understanding of the nature, purpose, operations, and, to the extent known, the physical, chemical, biological or other characteristics of the Invention. As used in this Agreement, “Invention” means any invention, discovery or innovation with regard to any facet of Griffon’s business whether or not patentable, made, conceived, or first actually reduced to practice by Kramer, alone or jointly with others, in the course of, in connection with, or as a result of service as an employee of Griffon, including any art, method, process, machine, manufacture, design or composition of matter, or any improvement thereof. Each Invention, as herein defined, shall be the sole and exclusive property of Griffon. Kramer agrees to execute an assignment to Griffon or its nominee of Kramer’s entire right, title and interest in and to any Invention, without compensation beyond that provided in this Agreement. Kramer further agrees, upon the request of Griffon and at its expense, that Kramer will execute any other instrument and document necessary or desirable in applying for and obtaining patents in the United States and in any foreign country with respect to any Invention. Kramer further agrees, to the extent it does not substantially interfere with any subsequent employment or business activities, whether or not Kramer is then an employee of Griffon, to reasonably cooperate to the extent and in the manner reasonably requested by Griffon in the prosecution or defense of any claim involving a patent covering any Invention or any litigation or other claim or proceeding involving any Invention covered by this Agreement, but all expenses thereof shall be paid by Griffon.
(d) Kramer understands and agrees that the rights and obligations set forth in this Section 13 shall extend beyond the Employment Term.
14. REMEDIES/SANCTIONS.
Kramer acknowledges that the services he is to render under this Agreement are of a unique and special nature, the loss of which cannot reasonably or adequately be compensated for in monetary damages, and that irreparable injury and damage may result to Griffon in the event of any breach of this Agreement or default by Kramer. Because of the unique nature of the Confidential Information and the importance of the prohibitions against competition and solicitation, Kramer further acknowledges and agrees that Griffon will suffer irreparable harm if he fails to comply with his obligations under Section 12 above and/or Section 13 above and that monetary damages would be inadequate to compensate Griffon for any such breach. Accordingly, Kramer agrees that, in addition to any other remedies available to either Party at law, in equity or otherwise, Griffon will be entitled to seek injunctive relief or specific performance to enforce the terms, or prevent or remedy the violation, of any provisions of this Agreement.
All payments to Kramer or under this Agreement shall be subject to withholding on account of federal, state and local taxes as required by law.
16. INDEMNIFICATION AND LIABILITY INSURANCE.
During the Employment Term, Griffon shall provide Kramer with a standard indemnification agreement which shall provide that Kramer shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and shall provide for the advancement of expenses if Kramer shall have delivered in writing to Griffon (a) an undertaking to reimburse Griffon for expenses with respect to which Kramer is not entitled to indemnification; and (b) an affirmation of his good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by Griffon has been met. Griffon shall cause Kramer to be covered at all times during the Employment Term by directors’ and officers’ liability insurance as Griffon shall from time to time obtain, but in no event shall Kramer’s coverage be less than that provided to any other director or officer of Griffon. Griffon shall continue to indemnify Kramer as provided above and maintain such liability insurance coverage for him after the Employment Term for any claims that may be made against him with respect to his service as a director or officer of Griffon. In the event Griffon does not utilize a standard indemnification agreement, Griffon shall indemnify Kramer to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors, heirs (in the case of Kramer) and assigns. No rights or obligations of the Parties under this Agreement may be assigned without the consent of both Parties, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
The Parties respectively represent and warrant that each is fully authorized and empowered to enter into this Agreement and that the performance of its or his obligations, as the case may be, under this Agreement will not violate any agreement between such Party and any other person, firm or organization. Griffon represents and warrants that this Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and is valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms.
Except to the extent otherwise provided herein, this Agreement contains the entire understanding and agreement between the Parties concerning the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior agreements, whether written or oral, between the Parties concerning the subject matter hereof. Unless otherwise expressly determined by the Board or the Committee in its sole discretion after the Commencement Date, payments and benefits provided under this Agreement are in lieu of any payments or other benefits under any severance program or policy of Griffon to which Kramer would otherwise be entitled.
No provision in this Agreement may be amended unless such amendment is agreed to in writing and signed by both Kramer and an authorized officer of Griffon. No waiver by either Party of any breach by the other Party of any condition or provision contained in this Agreement to be performed by such other Party shall be deemed a waiver of a similar or dissimilar condition or provision at the same or any prior or subsequent time. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by the Party to be charged with the waiver. No delay by either Party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof.
The respective rights and obligations of the Parties hereunder shall survive the termination of this Agreement, the termination of the Employment Term and the termination of Kramer’s employment with Griffon for any reason, to the extent necessary to the intended provision of such rights and the intended performance of such obligations.
24. NO CONFLICTS.
Kramer represents that (a) his employment hereunder and performance of his duties hereunder will not conflict with or result in the breach by him of any agreement to which he is a party or by which he may be bound; (b) his employment with Griffon will not violate any non-solicitation or other similar covenant or agreement by which he is bound; and (c) in connection with his employment with Griffon, he will not use any confidential or proprietary information he may have obtained in connection with his employment with any prior employer.
25. ARBITRATION; COSTS OF DISPUTES.
If any contest or dispute arising with respect to the terms of employment under this Agreement, such contest or dispute shall be submitted to binding arbitration for resolution in New York, New York, in accordance with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. In the event of such dispute, Griffon shall pay all of the legal fees and expenses incurred by Kramer in such dispute, if Kramer substantially prevails in such contest or dispute.
If to Griffon or the Board:
Jericho, NY 11753-2794
Attention: Patrick Alesia
Stephen W. Skonieczny, Esq.
If to Kramer:
Bruce E. Simonetti, Esq.
Patrick L. Alesia , Vice-President
IN CONSIDERATION OF good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and in consideration of the terms and conditions contained in the Employment Agreement, dated as of March __, 2008, (the “Agreement”) by and between Ronald J. Kramer (the “Executive”) and Griffon Corporation (the “Company”), the Executive on behalf of himself and his heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, releases and discharges the Company and its past present and future subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates and parents, and their respective current and former officers, directors, employees, agents, and/or owners, and their respective successors, and assigns and any other person or entity claimed to be jointly or severally liable with the Company or any of the aforementioned persons or entities (the “Released Parties”) from any and all manner of actions and causes of action, suits, debts, dues, accounts, bonds, covenants, contracts, agreements, judgments, charges, claims, and demands whatsoever (“Losses”) which the Executive and his heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns have, had, or may hereafter have, against the Released Parties or any of them arising out of or by reason of any cause, matter, or thing whatsoever from the beginning of the world to the date hereof, relating to the Executive’s employment by the Company and the cessation thereof, and any and all matters arising under any federal, state, or local statute, rule, or regulation, or principle of contract law or common law relating to the Executive’s employment by the Company and the cessation thereof, including but not limited to, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, as amended, 29 U.S.C. §§ 2601 et seq., Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000 et seq., the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, 29 U.S.C. §§ 621 et seq. (the “ADEA”), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 et seq., the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, as amended, 29 U.S.C. §§2101 et seq., the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, 29 U.S.C. §§ 1001 et seq., the New York State and New York City Human Rights Laws, the New York Labor Laws, and any other equivalent or similar federal, state, or local statute; provided, however, that the Executive does not release or discharge the Released Parties from (i) any rights to any payments, benefits or reimbursements due to the Executive under the Agreement; (ii) any rights of the Executive to indemnification under the Agreement (or the standard form of agreement, if any, entered into with the Executive pursuant to the Agreement) or under any applicable directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company; (iii) any rights to any vested benefits due to the Executive under any employee benefit plans sponsored or maintained by the Company; or (iv) any rights of the Executive as a shareholder of the Company. It is understood that nothing in this general release is to be construed as an admission on behalf of the Released Parties of any wrongdoing with respect to the Executive, any such wrongdoing being expressly denied.
The Executive represents and warrants that he fully understands the terms of this General Release, that he has been encouraged to seek, and has sought, the benefit of advice of legal counsel, and that he knowingly and voluntarily, of his own free will, without any duress, being fully informed, and after due deliberation, accepts its terms and signs below as his own free act. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Executive understands that as a result of executing this General Release, he will not have the right to assert that the Company or any other of the Released Parties unlawfully terminated his employment or violated any of his rights in connection with his employment or otherwise.
The Executive further represents and warrants that he has not filed, and will not initiate, or cause to be initiated on his behalf any complaint, charge, claim, or proceeding against any of the Released Parties before any federal, state, or local agency, court, or other body relating to any claims barred or released in this General Release thereof, and will not voluntarily participate in such a proceeding. However, nothing in this General Release shall preclude or prevent the Executive from filing a claim, which challenges the validity of this General Release solely with respect to the Executive’s waiver of any Losses arising under the ADEA. The Executive shall not accept any relief obtained on his behalf by any government agency, private party, class, or otherwise with respect to any claims covered by this General Release.
The Executive may take twenty-one (21) days to consider whether to execute this General Release. Upon the Executive’s execution of this general release, the Executive will have seven (7) days after such execution in which he may revoke such execution. In the event of revocation, the Executive must present written notice of such revocation to the office of the Company. If seven (7) days pass without receipt of such notice of revocation, this General Release shall become binding and effective on the eighth (8th) day after the execution hereof (the “Effective Date”).
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) made as of February 3, 2011 by and between GRIFFON CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (hereinafter “Griffon”) and RONALD J. KRAMER (hereinafter “Kramer”).
WHEREAS, Griffon and Kramer entered into an Employment Agreement dated as of March 16, 2008 (hereinafter the “Employment Agreement”);
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree to amend the Employment agreement as follows, effective as of the date hereof:
1. Section 4(b) shall be amended by deleting the phrase “of between 0% and 250% of Salary, with a target bonus of 150% of Salary (the “Target Bonus”),” from the first sentence thereof.
2. Section 7(b) shall be amended by inserting the phrase “and driver” immediately following the term “automobile” and by inserting the phrase “the driver’s salary,” immediately preceding the phrase “lease payments.”
3. The following new sentence shall be added to the end of Section 9(i):
“For purposes of this Section 9 and Section 1(j), “Target Bonus” shall mean 150% of Salary then in effect.”
4. Section 8(c) shall be amended by deleting the amount “$5,000,000” and inserting the amount “$10,000,000” in place thereof.
5. The following new paragraph (iii) shall be added to Section 11(a):
“(iii) Change in Control After the Fourth Anniversary of the Commencement Date, but Prior to January 1, 2013. Upon the occurrence of a change in control or ownership (or other similar event) after the fourth anniversary of the Commencement Date, but prior to January 1, 2013, if all or any portion of the payments provided under this Agreement, and/or any other payments and benefits that Kramer receives or is entitled to receive from Griffon, a Subsidiary or any other person, whether or not under an existing plan, arrangement or other agreement, constitutes a Parachute Payment and will result in the imposition on Kramer of an excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code, then, in addition to any other benefits to which Kramer is entitled under this Agreement, Griffon shall pay him an amount in cash equal to the difference between (A) the excise taxes payable by him by reason of receiving Parachute Payments using a “Base Amount” calculated under Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code and (B) the excise taxes payable using an adjusted base amount that takes into account Kramer’s
“annualized includible compensation for the base period” (as defined in Section 280G(d)(1) of the Code, but without regard to Section 280G(d)(3) of the Code) assuming, for purposes of this subparagraph (B), that the applicable base period only includes the calendar years 2008 through 2011 (the “Differential Payment”), plus the amount necessary to put him in the same after-tax position (taking into account any and all applicable federal, state and local excise, income or other taxes at the highest possible applicable rates on such Differential Payment (including without limitation any payments under this Section 11)) as if no excise taxes had been imposed with respect to the Differential Payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the aggregate amount of Parachute Payments is no more than 10% greater than the Safe-Harbor Amount, Kramer shall not be entitled to a payment under this paragraph (iii) and the Parachute Payments shall instead be reduced as provided in paragraph (i) in an amount sufficient to reduce the aggregate amount of Parachute Payments below the Safe-Harbor Amount.”
6. The following new sentence shall be added to the end of Section 11(a)(i):
“Any such reduction in the preceding sentence shall be made in the following order, (i) first, any future cash payments (if any) shall be reduced (if necessary, to zero); (ii) second, any current cash payments shall be reduced (if necessary, to zero); (iii) third, all non-cash payments (other than equity or equity derivative related payments) shall be reduced (if necessary, to zero); and (iv) fourth, all equity or equity derivative payments shall be reduced.”
7. Section 9(g)(i) shall be amended by (i) inserting the phrase “or the term of the option stated in the award agreement, whichever is shorter” immediately before the concluding period thereof and (ii) deleting the phrase “(A) all restricted stock referred to above in Section 5 not yet issued shall be issued as soon as such issuance is permissible under the terms of the Plan and shall be fully vested upon such issuance; and (B)” therefrom.
8. A new Section 29 shall be added as follows:
“29. Miscellaneous.
With respect to any provision of this Agreement that provides for reimbursement or in-kind benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code, (i) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided, during any calendar year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other calendar year, (ii) Kramer’s right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and (iii) the reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made as soon as practicable after Kramer submits evidence satisfactory to Griffon of the incurrence of such expense, but not later than December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred.”
The parties hereby agree that except as specifically provided in and modified by this Amendment, the Employment Agreement is in all other respects hereby ratified and confirmed and references to the Employment Agreement shall be deemed to refer to the Employment Agreement as modified by this Amendment.