Document:

EVRY_VollesAgreement

CONFIDENTIAL SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND  
GENERAL RELEASE

THIS CONFIDENTIAL SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between Jacqueline Volles (“Volles”) and EveryWare Global, Inc., a Delaware corporation (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”), for a final and complete resolution of all matters arising out of or relating in any way to Volles’s employment with the Company and the cessation thereof. 

WHEREAS, Volles was formerly employed by the Company as Chief Marketing Officer;

WHEREAS, Volles’ employment with the Company ended on February 19, 2014;

WHEREAS, Volles has alleged certain claims against the Company in connection with her employment with and separation from the Company, including gender bias and retaliatory conduct; 

WHEREAS, the Company denies the allegations made by Volles, and any allegations or claims of wrongdoing or liability of any kind; and

WHEREAS, Volles and the Company (together, the “Parties”) wish to compromise and fully and finally settle any and all claims and disputes that exist or may exist between the Parties. 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual promises contained herein and of the further consideration set forth below, the receipt and sufficiency of which the Parties hereby acknowledge, the Parties stipulate, agree and consent as follows:

		
	1.
	Separation Date:  Volles agrees that her last day of employment with the Company was February 19, 2014 (the “Separation Date”).  Volles further agrees that as of the Separation Date she no longer was, and will not hold herself out as, an employee or officer of the Company. 

		
	2.
	Separation Benefits:  In consideration of the release and other covenants and agreements given by Volles in this Agreement, and subject to Volles’ execution and non-revocation of this Agreement, the Company agrees to provide, or cause to be provided, the following payments and benefits (collectively, the “Separation Benefits”):

		
	a.
	 The Company agrees to make, or cause to be made, the following payments (together, the “Separation Payment”):   

		
	i.
	Severance payments to Volles in the total amount of $145,000.00, representing six (6) months of her base salary as of her last date of employment, less all applicable withholdings and deductions, payable in twenty-six (26) biweekly installments (the “Severance Period”) to be direct-deposited to Volles in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices;

		
	ii.
	A discretionary bonus payment to Volles for 2013 in the amount of $47,000.00, less all applicable withholdings and taxes; 

 
		
	iii.
	A lump-sum payment to Volles in the amount of $39,280.00, as an additional settlement amount, less all applicable withholdings and taxes; and

		
	iv.
	A payment to Volles’s attorneys, Abrahamson Vorachek & Levinson (AVL), in the amount of $38,220.00, as payment of any and all attorneys’ fees incurred by Volles with such attorneys, payable upon receipt by the Company of a completed Form W-9 from the firm.  

The Company will provide the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and Volles an appropriate Form W-2 with respect to the portions of the Separation Payment paid directly to Volles as set forth in (i)-(iii) above, and a Form 1099 with respect to the portion of the Separation Payment reflecting attorneys’ fees reporting said sum in Box 14 as “Gross proceeds paid to an attorney,” and/or any other required tax reporting or information forms reflecting such payments.  The portions of the Separation Payment set forth in (ii) and (ii) above shall be delivered to AVL within seven (7) days following the expiration of the Revocation Period as set forth herein, but only upon receipt of all necessary and applicable tax forms completed by the individual or entity to whom or which payments are being made.  The Separation Payment under this Section 2 is conditioned upon Volles’ execution and delivery of this Agreement and non-revocation thereof prior to the expiration of the Revocation Period.  Volles agrees to and hereby does indemnify the Company from and against the employee portion of any and all tax liabilities, interest and penalties that may be assessed against or incurred by her in connection with payments made by the Company to Volles pursuant to this Paragraph 2. 

		
	b.
	Volles will remain on the Company’s medical and dental benefit plans for the duration of the Severance Period at her current elections as of the Separation Date, and the Company shall continue to deduct the cost of Volles’ medical and dental benefits at the current employee rate for the duration of the Severance Period.  Upon the expiration of the Severance Period, provided that Volles has elected to receive continuation coverage in the Company’s medical and dental plans pursuant to the provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget 

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Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), the Company will provide Volles with a lump-sum payment representing reimbursement for the cost of three (3) months of COBRA coverage at the current employee rate.  Thereafter, any further continuation of coverage under COBRA shall be at Volles’ own expense.  Continuation coverage shall in all respects be subject to the requirements, conditions and limitations of COBRA and of the medical and dental plans of the Company, which may be amended by the Company from time to time.  

		
	c.
	The Company agrees that it will not object to or contest any application made by Volles for unemployment benefits after the Separation Date. 

		
	3.
	Full Discharge of Obligations:  Volles understands and agrees that she is not entitled to, and will not receive, any payments or benefits of any kind from the Company other than those expressly set forth herein.  Volles further acknowledges and agrees that, but for her execution of this Agreement, she would not be entitled to any of the consideration set forth in Paragraph 2 above.

		
	4.
	Confidential Information:  Volles agrees to keep all confidential and proprietary information about the past, present or prospective business affairs of the Company and its affiliates confidential (other than when disclosure is required by a lawful order of a court of competent jurisdiction, any governmental authority or agency, or any recognized subpoena power) unless a prior written release from the Company is obtained.  Volles agrees to promptly give notice to the Company of any attempt by subpoena or otherwise to compel such disclosure as soon as possible and in any event at least ten (10) days before compliance is required and to provide a copy of such legal or administrative process or other government communication to the Company so that the Company may seek a protective order or other remedy, and Volles agrees to reasonably cooperate with the Company in any effort the Company undertakes to obtain a protective order or other remedy.

		
	5.
	Return of Company Property:  Volles agrees that as of the date hereof, Volles has returned to the Company any and all property, tangible or intangible, relating to its business, which Volles possessed or had control over at any time (including, but not limited to, company-provided automobiles, credit cards, building or office access cards, keys, computer equipment, manuals, files, documents, records, software, customer data base and other data) and that Volles shall not retain any copies, compilations, extracts, excerpts, summaries or other notes of any such manuals, files, documents, records, software, customer data base or other data.  

		
	6.
	General Release of Claims by Volles:  As a material inducement to the Company to enter into this Agreement and in consideration of the Separation Benefits and other benefits set forth herein, Volles knowingly and voluntarily (for herself, her issue, heirs, executors, administrators and assigns) (collectively, the “Volles Releasors”) hereby releases and forever discharges as of the date hereof the Company and its affiliates, divisions and subsidiaries, including but not limited to Monomoy Capital Partners, L.P., Monomoy 

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Capital Partners II, L.P., and Clinton Magnolia Master Fund, Ltd., and each of their respective affiliates, divisions and subsidiaries, and all present, former and future directors, members, officers, agents, representatives, employees, successors and assigns of the Company and/or its affiliates, divisions and subsidiaries, including but not limited to Monomoy Capital Partners, L.P., Monomoy Capital Partners II, L.P., and Clinton Magnolia Master Fund, Ltd., and each of their respective affiliates, divisions and subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company Released Parties”) from any and all claims, suits, controversies, actions, causes of action, cross‐claims, counter‐claims, demands, debts, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive or exemplary damages, other damages, claims for costs and attorneys’ fees, or liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law and in equity, both past and present (through the date that this Agreement becomes effective and enforceable) and whether known or unknown, suspected, or claimed against the Company and/or any of the Company Released Parties which the Volles Releasors ever had, now have, or hereafter may have, by reason of any matter, cause, or thing whatsoever, from the beginning of Volles’s initial dealings with the Company to the date of this Agreement, and particularly, but without limitation of the foregoing general terms, any claims arising from or relating in any way to Volles’s employment relationship with Company, the terms and conditions of that employment relationship, and the termination of that employment relationship (including, but not limited to, any allegation, claim or violation, arising under:  Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (including the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act); the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended; the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; any applicable Executive Order Programs; the Fair Labor Standards Act; the Illinois Human Rights Act; the Illinois Bill of Rights §§ 17-18; the Illinois Minimum Wage Law; the Illinois Equal Pay Act; the Illinois Whistleblower Protection Act; the Illinois WARN statute; the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act; the Ohio Civil Rights Act, the Ohio Whistleblowers’ Protection Statute, the Ohio Minimum Fair Wage Standards Act, and Ohio Labor Law; or their state or local counterparts; or under any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law, or under any other local, state, or federal law, regulation or ordinance; or under any public policy, contract or tort, or under common law; or arising under any policies, practices or procedures of the Company; or any claim for wrongful discharge, breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress, defamation; or any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses, including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters) (all of the foregoing collectively referred to herein as the “Claims”).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Volles acknowledges that she is not waiving and is not being required to waive her vested rights in any Company benefit plan (the plan documents of which and ERISA will continue to govern her rights thereunder), or any right that cannot be waived under law, including the right to file an administrative charge or participate in an administrative investigation or proceeding; provided, however, that Volles disclaims and waives any right to share or participate in any monetary award resulting from the prosecution of such charge or investigation or proceeding.  Volles understands and intends that this General Release constitutes a general release of all claims and that no reference herein to a specific form 

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of claim, statute or type of relief is intended to limit the scope of this General Release.  Volles represents that she has made no assignment or transfer of any right, claim, demand, cause of action, or other matter covered by this Paragraph 6.  Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Volles from bringing appropriate proceedings to enforce this Agreement.

		
	7.
	No Action:  Volles hereby represents and warrants that she has not filed, caused to be filed or permitted to be filed, and will not file, cause to be filed or permit to be filed, any complaints, charges or lawsuits against the Company or any of the Company Released Parties with respect to the matters covered by the General Release contained herein, and that no such complaints, charges or lawsuits are pending.  By signing this Agreement, Volles further represents that the Volles Releasors will not be entitled to any personal recovery in any action or proceeding that may be commenced on Volles’s behalf arising out of or relating to the matters released hereby.  Volles agrees that she will forfeit all amounts payable by the Company pursuant to the Agreement if Volles challenges the validity of the General Release contained in this Agreement.  Volles further agrees that if Volles violates this Agreement by suing the Company or the other Company Released Parties, Volles will pay all costs and expenses of defending against the suit incurred by the Company Released Parties, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, and return all payments received by Volles pursuant to the Agreement on or after the termination of her employment.

		
	8.
	Mutual Non-Disparagement:  Volles agrees not to make any disparaging remarks or send any disparaging communications, directly or indirectly, concerning the Company or any of its affiliates, divisions and subsidiaries, the business or management of the Company or any of its affiliates, divisions and subsidiaries and all present, former and future directors, members, officers, agents, representatives, employees, successors and assigns of the Company and/or its affiliates, divisions and subsidiaries.  The Company similarly agrees to direct its senior management and board of directors not to disparage, or make any disparaging remark or send any disparaging communications concerning Volles, her performance and her reputation.

		
	9.
	Confidentiality:  Volles agrees that this Agreement is confidential and agrees not to disclose any information regarding the terms of this Agreement, except to her immediate family and any tax, legal or other counsel that she has consulted regarding the meaning or effect hereof or as required by law, and will instruct each of the foregoing not to disclose the same to anyone.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or restrict Volles (or her attorney) from responding to any inquiry about this Agreement or its underlying facts and circumstances by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), or any other self‐regulatory organization or governmental entity; provided, however, that Volles shall notify the Company in writing as promptly as practicable after receiving any such inquiry and at least ten (10) days prior to responding to any such inquiry (or if such notice is not possible under the circumstances, with as much prior notice as is possible).  

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The Company agrees to disclose any such information only to its tax, legal or other counsel, its insurance providers or as required by law.

		
	10.
	No Harm to Company Operation:  Volles, for herself, her issue, heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, hereby covenants and represents that she has not taken and will not knowingly take any actions to impair the operations of the Company.

		
	11.
	Cooperation:  Upon reasonable notice, Volles agrees to reasonably cooperate with the Company in any internal investigation, any administrative, regulatory, or judicial proceeding or any dispute with a third party involving matters about which Volles has knowledge for a period of three (3) years following her separation from the Company.  Volles understands and agrees that her cooperation may include, but not be limited to, making herself available to the Company upon reasonable notice for interviews and factual investigations; appearing at the Company’s request to give testimony without requiring service of a subpoena or other legal process; volunteering to the Company pertinent information; and turning over to the Company all relevant documents which are or may come into her possession all at times and on schedules that are reasonably consistent with her other permitted activities and commitments.  Volles understands that in the event the Company asks for her cooperation in accordance with this provision, the Company will reimburse her for reasonable expenses incurred in providing such cooperation (including lodging and meals) upon her submission of receipts.

		
	12.
	Injunctive Relief and Attorneys’ Fees:  Volles agrees and acknowledges that the Company will be irreparably harmed by any breach, or threatened breach, by her of Paragraphs 4, 5, 8 and/or 9 of this Agreement and that monetary damages would be grossly inadequate.  Accordingly, Volles agrees that in the event of a breach, or threatened breach, by her of Paragraphs 4, 5, 9 and/or 9 of this Agreement, the Company shall be entitled to immediate injunctive or other preliminary or equitable relief, as appropriate, in addition to all other remedies available at law and equity.  The parties agree that, should either party bring an action to enforce the terms of this Agreement, the prevailing party in such action shall be entitled to recover all reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred with respect to such action.  

		
	13.
	Restrictive Covenants: In consideration of the covenants and promises made in this Agreement, Volles shall be and is hereby released from any non-compete obligation she may have under any other agreement with the Company, including but not limited to the restrictions on competition and solicitation contained in Paragraph 7 of Volles December 31, 2012 Employment Agreement (hereafter “Employment Agreement”).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Volles shall remain obligated with respect to the agreement to protect trade secrets and confidential information of the Company contained in Paragraph 6 of the Employment Agreement, and the agreement not to solicit any current employees of the Company contained in Paragraph 7(a) of the Employment Agreement.

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	14.
	No Admission of Liability:  Volles agrees that neither this Agreement, nor the furnishing of the consideration for this Agreement, shall be deemed or construed at any time to be an admission by the Company, any Company Released Party or Volles of any improper or unlawful conduct. 

		
	15.
	Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio, without regard to the choice of law provisions thereof.  The Parties agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state court seated in Fairfield County, Ohio or and/or the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio for the general resolution of any matter arising out of, relating to or connected with this Agreement or Volles’s employment with or resignation from the Company. 

		
	16.
	Rule of Ambiguities and Binding Effect:  It is agreed and understood that the general rule that ambiguities are to be construed against the drafter shall not apply to this Agreement.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Volles and the Company and each of their respective heirs, executors, successors, representatives and agents.

		
	17.
	Severability:  Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein. 

		
	18.
	Entire Agreement.  This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the Parties, and fully supersedes and replaces any and all prior agreements or understandings (whether oral or written) between the Parties pertaining to the subject matter hereof.  Volles acknowledges and agrees that in signing this Agreement Volles has not relied upon any representation, promise or inducement that is not expressly set forth in this Agreement.  

		
	19.
	Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all counterparts so executed shall constitute one agreement binding on all of the Parties, notwithstanding that all of the Parties are not signatory to the same counterpart.  Facsimile or electronic copies of this Agreement shall have the same force and effect as an original.

BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, VOLLES REPRESENTS AND AGREES THAT:

		
	(i)
	I HAVE READ IT CAREFULLY;

		
	(ii)
	I UNDERSTAND ALL OF ITS TERMS AND KNOW THAT I AM GIVING UP IMPORTANT RIGHTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS AS SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH 6 OF THIS AGREEMENT;

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	(iii)
	I VOLUNTARILY CONSENT TO THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE RELEASE OF CLAIMS SET FORTH HEREIN;

		
	(iv)
	I HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE EXECUTING IT AND I HAVE DONE SO;

		
	(v)
	I HAVE HAD AT LEAST 21 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF MY RECEIPT OF THIS AGREEMENT TO CONSIDER IT AND THE CHANGES MADE SINCE MY RECEIPT OF THIS AGREEMENT ARE NOT MATERIAL OR WERE MADE AT MY REQUEST AND WILL NOT RESTART THE REQUIRED 21‐DAY PERIOD;

		
	(vi)
	I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE SEVEN (7) DAYS AFTER THE EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT TO REVOKE IT (THE “REVOCATION PERIOD”) AND THAT THIS AGREEMENT SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL THE REVOCATION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED;

		
	(vii)
	I HAVE SIGNED THIS AGREEMENT KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY AND WITH THE ADVICE OF ANY COUNSEL RETAINED TO ADVISE ME WITH RESPECT TO IT; AND

		
	(viii)
	I AGREE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT MAY NOT BE AMENDED, WAIVED, CHANGED OR MODIFIED EXCEPT BY AN INSTRUMENT IN WRITING SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY AND BY ME.

Executed this 14th day 
of April 2014 

By:    /s/ Jacqueline Volles            
JACQUELINE VOLLES

Executed this 15th day        
of April 2014
                        
EVERYWARE GLOBAL, INC.

By:    /s/ Erika Schoenberger        
Erika Schoenberger

8EVRY-LefkowitzAgreement

CONFIDENTIAL SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE
This CONFIDENTIAL SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between EVERYWARE GLOBAL, INC., its predecessors, affiliates, parent companies, subsidiaries, related business entities, successors, assigns, and all of their current, former, or retired officers, directors, principals, shareholders, owners, members, employees, employee benefit plan fiduciaries, and agents (all in their individual and representative capacities) (hereafter, the “Company” or “EveryWare”), and STEVE LEFKOWITZ, an individual (the “Executive” or “Lefkowitz”).
WHEREAS, Lefkowitz was previously employed by EveryWare as its Executive Vice President North American Sales – Foodservice resident in the Company’s Melville, New York facility; and
WHEREAS, in connection with his employment, Lefkowitz and EveryWare entered into an executive employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement”); and 
WHEREAS, Executive’s employment with EveryWare was terminated on February 28th, 2014 (the “Termination Date”); and
WHEREAS, the Company and Executive (sometimes referred to collectively as the “Parties” and each a “Party”) have read and understood the terms of this Agreement and both Parties have been provided with reasonable opportunities to consult with their respective legal counsel prior to entering into this Agreement.
In recognition of Executive’s past service to the Company and as consideration for the mutual promises and covenants set forth herein, the Parties covenant and agree as follows:
Section 1 --    Termination of Agreements.   Executive agrees that, notwithstanding the termination of the Employment Agreement, as a material condition of this Agreement, Executive shall comply with his Employment Agreement, and all of its subparts, which will remain in full force and effect after the termination of the Employment Agreement.
Section 2 --    Severance Payment and Benefits
(a)    In General.  After the Effective Date of this Agreement, the Company will provide Executive with the Severance Payments set forth in Paragraph 2(b) below; provided, however, that these Severance Payments will not be paid unless and until Executive executes this Agreement, the revocation period set forth in Paragraph 5(c) of this Agreement expires, and Executive does not revoke this Agreement.  Executive acknowledges that the Company is under no obligation to provide any severance unless the Executive executes and delivers a general release of claims (specifically, this Agreement) on or before April 11, 2014 and does not exercise his right under Paragraph 5(c) to revoke this Agreement.
(b)    Severance Payments.  Subject to his satisfaction of the eligibility requirements set forth in Paragraph 2(a) above, the Company will provide Executive with 

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severance in the gross amount of $260,000.00, less applicable federal, state and local taxes, and any other mandatory or employee-authorized payroll deductions (the equivalent of twelve (12) months of your current Base Salary as defined in the Employment Agreement).  The severance will be paid to Executive in twenty-six (26) bi-weekly installments, less applicable federal, state and local taxes, and any other mandatory or employee-authorized payroll deductions (the “Severance Payments”), in accordance with the Company’s regular and customary payroll practices and payroll dates.  The first of the Severance Payments will be paid on the next regularly-scheduled Company payroll date after the expiration of the revocation period set forth in Paragraph 5(c) below.
(c)    Bonus.  In accordance with the Employment Agreement, Executive will be paid any earned but unpaid Bonus compensation to which he is entitled under applicable bonus or incentive compensation plans in effect on the Termination Date.
(d)    Vacation.  Executive will be paid for his accrued but unused vacation in accordance with Company policies and applicable law.
(e)    Group Health Insurance.  Coverage under group health, dental, vision and other welfare benefit plans will cease on the Termination Date.  After the Termination Date, if he has not obtained alternative medical coverage, Executive can continue coverage under the Company’s group medical, dental, and vision benefit plans at his sole expense in accordance with Part 6 of Subtitle B of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“COBRA”), in accordance with applicable law.
(f)    Other Compensation and Benefit Plans.  Executive will not be eligible to participate in any group life insurance, retirement and other compensation or benefit plans of the Company or any affiliate, except that he will retain any vested benefits under all qualified retirement plans of the Company, and all rights associated with such benefits, as determined under the terms of those plans.
(g)    Severance Payments Not Included in Compensation for Benefits Purposes.  The Severance Payments made under this Agreement will not be included in “compensation” for purposes of calculating any benefits to which Executive may be entitled under any employee benefit program of the Company, notwithstanding anything in such plans to the contrary.
(h)    Other Compensation.  Executive acknowledges that, as of the Effective Date of this Agreement, he is not entitled to compensation of any kind from the Company, including, without limitation, unpaid wages, bonus compensation, accrued vacation, reimbursement of business expenses, or other remuneration.
(i)    Taxes.  The Severance Payments required under Paragraph 2(b) will be reported to applicable government taxing authorities as wages on an IRS Form W-2.  Executive will be responsible for paying any income taxes on Severance Payments or other taxable amounts paid to Executive pursuant to this Agreement.  Executive agrees that the Company will be authorized to withhold all taxes that the Company determines it is legally required to 

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withhold.  Executive agrees not to make any claim against the Company or any other person based on how the Company reports amounts paid under this Agreement to tax authorities.  Further, the Company does not make any representations and is not providing any advice regarding the tax consequences of the Severance Payments hereunder, including but not limited to taxes, interest and penalties under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and similar liabilities under state tax laws.  No indemnification or gross-up is payable under this Agreement with respect to any such tax, interest, penalty or similar liability, and no interest is payable on any payment or benefit.  
Section 3 --    Release
(a)    In General.  Executive irrevocably and unconditionally releases all the Claims described in Paragraph 3(b) that he may now have against the Released Parties listed in Paragraph 3(d).
(b)    Claims Released.  The Claims released by Executive under Paragraph 3(a) include all known and unknown claims, causes of action, grievances, liabilities, debts, obligations, injuries, damages or similar rights of any type that Executive had or presently may have (“Claims”), with respect to any Released Party listed in Paragraph 3(f).  Executive acknowledges that the Claims released under this paragraph might arise under many different foreign, domestic, national, state, or local laws (including statutes, regulations, other administrative guidance, and common law doctrines), such as the following:
(i)    Claims for breach of contract, whether express, implied or implied-in-fact (including, without limitation, Claims for any alleged breach of the Employment Agreement), and for promissory estoppel or detrimental reliance;
(ii)    Claims under or pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Equal Pay Act, United States Presidential Executive Orders 11246 and 11375, 42 U.S.C. § 1981, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 1985, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), the Family and Medical Leave Act, as amended, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, and the Fair Labor Standards Act, as amended, as well as any other federal law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation or executive order relating to employment and/or discrimination in employment, and/or any Claims to attorneys’ fees or costs thereunder; 
(iii)    Claims under the New York State Human Rights Law, as amended, New York State Labor Law, as amended, any state or local family and/or medical leave laws, as well as any other state or local law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation or executive order relating to employment and/or discrimination in employment, and/or any Claims to attorneys’ fees or costs thereunder; and

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(iv)    Claims for wrongful discharge, retaliatory discharge, negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress, interference with contractual relations or prospective economic advantage, personal, emotional or physical injury, fraud, defamation, libel, slander, misrepresentation, violation of public policy, invasion of privacy, intentional torts, gross negligence, negligent hiring, negligent retention or any other statutory or common law theory of recovery.
(c)    Exclusion for Certain Claims. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive and the Company agree that the release in Paragraphs 3(a) and 3(b) shall not apply to any claims arising after the date Executive signs this Agreement, nor shall anything herein prevent Executive from instituting any action to enforce the terms of this Agreement.  Executive and the Company further agree that the release in this Paragraph 3 shall not apply to any claims Executive may have to indemnification as an officer, director or employee under applicable law or the governing documents of the Company or any insurance policies of the Company, or any claims which may not, as a matter of law, be released.  In addition, Executive and the Company agree that nothing herein shall be construed to prevent Employee from enforcing rights, if any, under ERISA to recover any vested benefits.
(d)    Unknown Claims.  Executive acknowledges that he is releasing Claims that he may not know about, and that he does so with knowing and voluntary intent.  Executive expressly waives all rights that he may have under any law that is intended to protect him from waiving unknown Claims.  Executive further acknowledges that he understands the significance of doing so.
(e)    Governmental Investigations.  Notwithstanding the general release set forth in this Paragraph 3, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Executive from filing a charge or cooperating with any investigation by any government agency (including without limitation the United States Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the National Labor Relations Board) but this release does waive his right to file an individual or class action lawsuit against the Company or receive any equitable or monetary relief in connection with any such charge or investigation.  
(f)    Released Parties.  The “Released Parties” shall include EveryWare Global, Inc. and its current and former subsidiaries, all related companies, partnerships, affiliated entities or joint ventures and, with respect to each of them, their predecessors and successors; and, with respect to each such entity, all of its past, present, and future employees, officers, directors, stockholders, owners, representatives, assigns, attorneys, agents, insurers, employee benefit programs (and the trustees, administrators, fiduciaries, and insurers of such programs), and any other persons acting by, through, under or in concert with any of the persons or entities listed in this subsection, and their successors.
Section 4 --    Promises
(a)    Employment Termination.  Executive agrees that his employment with the Company ended on his Termination Date.  Executive acknowledges and agrees that he retains no employment rights and that the execution of this Agreement is good and sufficient cause for 

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the Released Parties to reject any future application for employment, reinstatement, or reemployment by Executive.  Further, the Company will promptly remove Executive’s name as an officer and/or director of the Company from all Company literature, websites and letterhead.
(b)    Company Property.  In accordance Return of Property section of the Employment Agreement, Executive confirms that he has returned to the Company all Company-owned property in his possession, including but not limited to all keys to all buildings or property, automobiles or other vehicles, all Company-owned equipment, all software and computers, all Confidential Information and Trade Secrets, all documents and papers (including but not limited to files, reports, Rolodexes, memoranda, records, electronic data, printouts, sales data, product lists, business plans, notebook entries, and copies of the foregoing), all Company credit cards, telephone cards, cellular telephone(s) and all other Company property. 
(c)    Confidential Information/Trade Secrets.  In accordance with the Restrictive Covenants section of the Employment Agreement, Executive agrees to refrain from utilizing for any purpose, or disclosing to any person, any Confidential Information pertaining to the Company’s business.  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Confidential Information” shall mean all information, whatever its nature and form and whether obtained orally, by observation, from written materials, or otherwise obtained by Employee during or as a result of his employment with the Company or in connection with his affiliation with any parent company, subsidiary company, affiliate or entity which has been acquired by or merged into the Company, and relating to any sales, marketing, distribution, manufacturing, research, technical, business or commercial activities or plans of the Company, whether made or conceived by Employee or otherwise, except such information as is generally available to the public, including but not limited to: (1) information about the Company’s past, present or prospective licenses, licensees, suppliers, vendors, clients and customers, and their addresses, needs, purchasing patterns, personnel, characteristics, and the like, as well as the Company’s marketing objectives and strategies, advertising and promotional materials, and all data containing such information prepared for, stored in, processed by or obtained from any automated information system belonging to or in the possession of the Company; (2) product designs and specifications, product ideas, product announcement dates, planned product or services offerings, concepts, prototypes, formulas, systems, methods, programs, processes, compilations of technical and non-technical information, inventions, discoveries and improvements, designs, drawings, blueprints, patterns, forms, software, features, techniques, procedures, and business plans developed by or on behalf of the Company; (3) information in the Company’s possession or owned by the Company or its affiliate companies, or by their respective suppliers, customers or other business partners, which are not generally known to the public and which have been either identified as confidential or proprietary or by their nature are such that would generally be considered confidential in the retail, commercial and industrial food service industry, including without limitation, financial, legal and corporate information; marketing information; and, personnel information; (4) ideas related to actual or anticipated business or research and development of the Company, whether patented or patentable, copyrighted or eligible for copyright protection, trademarked or eligible for trademark protection, and other tangible and intangible information that constitutes a “Trade Secret” under applicable New York law; (5) any information within the definition of “Confidential Information” outlined in the Employment Agreement, and (6) any 

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other information pertaining to the Company’s business that is not generally disclosed by the Company to the public.
(d)    Full Disclosure.  Executive acknowledges that he has disclosed to the Company any information he has concerning any conduct involving the Company or any of its parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, shareholders, officers, directors, employees or agents, that he has reason to believe may be unlawful or involve any false claims to the United States or any other government having jurisdiction over the Company.  Further, Executive promises to cooperate fully and voluntarily in any investigation that the Company undertakes into matters occurring during his employment with the Company or its predecessors, and agrees not to disclose to anyone who is not assisting the Company with the investigation, other than his attorney, the fact of or the subject matter of the investigation, except as required by law.  Executive will accommodate his schedule to cooperate with the Company and promptly provide such information.  Nothing herein is intended to or shall preclude Executive from cooperating with any appropriate federal, state, or local government agency in any of said agencies’ investigations of alleged employment discrimination.  Executive acknowledges similarly acknowledge that nothing in this Agreement prevents him from cooperating with any other U.S. government investigation.
(e)    Cooperation with Litigation.  In the event that the Company or any of its parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, shareholders, officers, directors, is involved in any litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding, Executive agrees that, upon request, he will provide reasonable cooperation to the Company and its attorneys in the prosecution or defense of any litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding, including participation in interviews with the Company's attorneys, appearing for depositions, testifying in administrative, judicial or arbitration proceedings, or any other reasonable participation necessary for the prosecution or defense of  any such litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding.  The Company agrees to reimburse Executive for his reasonable expenses in participating in the prosecution or defense of any litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding, provided that Executive submits acceptable documentation of all such expenses.
(f)    Prospective Employers.  Executive agrees to direct all requests for Company references and/or verification of employment to Mr. Johnathan Branson, Vice President – Human Resources, EveryWare Global, Inc., 519 N. Pierce Ave., Lancaster, OH 43130, or his successor as designated by the Company.  The Company agrees that Mr. Branson will respond to any such requests by providing Executive’s position and/or job title and dates of service with the Company.
(g)    This Agreement To Be Kept Confidential.  Executive agrees not to disclose the terms or existence of this Agreement, to anyone other than a member of his immediate family or his attorney, accountant or other professional advisor.  Executive further agrees that disclosure of the terms or existence of this Agreement to the person(s) listed above is permissible only if the person agrees to honor this confidentiality requirement.  Any violation of this confidentiality requirement by any such person will be considered to be a violation of this Agreement by Executive.  This subsection does not prohibit disclosures to the extent legally 

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necessary to enforce this Agreement, nor does it prohibit disclosures to the extent otherwise legally required (but only if Executive promptly notifies the Company of a disclosure obligation or request within two (2) business days after he learns of it and permits the Company to take all steps it deems to be appropriate to prevent or limit the required disclosure, as Executive recognizes the Parties’ strong desire to keep this Agreement confidential).  Further, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit the Company from disclosing information regarding this Agreement to the extent required under applicable law.
(h)    No Disparagement.  Executive agrees that he will not make any disparaging or derogatory remarks or statements about the Company, its parent companies, subsidiaries, and affiliates including, but not limited to, EveryWare Global, Inc. and its subsidiaries, all related companies, partnerships, affiliated entities or joint ventures, as well as the Company's current and former officers, directors, shareholders, principals, attorneys, agents, employees or any Released Party, or his prior employment with the Company.  The Company agrees that it will not make any disparaging or derogatory remarks or statements about Executive or his prior employment with the Company.  
Section 5 --    Consideration of Agreement and Revocation Period
(a)    ADEA Release Requirements Satisfied:  Executive acknowledges that this Agreement satisfies all applicable legal requirements to validly release any Claims (including Claims arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended (the “ADEA”)).  These requirements are that (i) Executive voluntarily entered into this Agreement with full knowledge of its terms (i.e., free from fraud, duress, coercion or mistake of fact); (ii) this Agreement is in writing and fully comprehensible and understandable to Executive; (iii) this Agreement explicitly waives current ADEA claims; (iv) this Agreement does not waive future ADEA claims; (v) the Severance Payments constitute monies to which Executive would not be entitled in the absence of his entering into this Agreement; (vi) the Company advised Executive in writing to consult an attorney prior to entering into this Agreement; (vii) the Company provided Executive with at least twenty-one (21) days in which to decide whether to enter into this Agreement; and (viii) the Company provided Executive with at least seven (7) days within which to revoke this Agreement after signing it.
(b)    Consideration Period:  The Executive acknowledges that this Agreement was presented to him for consideration on March 1, 2014, and that, before signing this Agreement, he was allowed at least twenty-one (21) days in which to consider this Agreement.  Executive waives any right to additional time within which to consider this Agreement.  Executive further acknowledges that: (i) he took advantage of the time he was given to consider this Agreement before signing it; (ii) he carefully read this Agreement; (iii) he fully understands it; (iv) he is entering into it voluntarily; (v) he will receive the Severance Payments in exchange for his execution of this Agreement, which he would not otherwise be entitled to receive; and (vi) the Company, in writing, encouraged Executive to discuss this Agreement with an attorney (at his own expense) before signing it, and that Executive did so to the extent he deemed appropriate.

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(c)    Revocation Period:  Executive understands that he may revoke this Agreement within seven (7) days after signing it.  In order for any revocation to be effective, it must be delivered in a written instrument signed by Executive and received by Mr. Johnathan Branson, Vice President – Human Resources, EveryWare Global, Inc., 519 N. Pierce Ave., Lancaster, OH 43130, by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight time on the seventh (7th) day following the date on which he signs the Agreement.  Executive understands that if he timely revokes this Agreement, Executive will not receive the Severance Payments as set forth in Paragraph 2 of this Agreement.
Section 6 --    Miscellaneous
(a)    Nonadmission of Liability:  Executive agrees not to assert that this Agreement constitutes an admission of wrongdoing by the Company or any Released Party, and further acknowledges that the Released Parties do not believe or admit that any of them has done anything wrong.  Similarly, the Company agrees not to assert that this Agreement constitutes an admission of wrongdoing by Executive, and further acknowledges that Executive does not believe or admit that he has done anything wrong.  
(b)    Modifications.  The Parties agree that the provisions of this Agreement may not be modified by any subsequent agreement unless the modifying agreement is: (i) in writing; (ii) specifically references this Agreement; (iii) signed by Executive; and (iv) signed and approved by an authorized officer of the Company. 
(c)    Non-compete/Non-solicitation.   Executive agrees that for a period of fifty two (52) weeks from the Separation Date (“Restriction Period”), Executive will not, directly or indirectly, induce, solicit or attempt to influence any employee of the Company to terminate his or her employment with the Company, nor hire any employee of the Company who was employed as of the Separation Date or during the previous two year period.  Executive agrees that for a period of fifty two (52) weeks from the Separation Date (“Restricted Period”), Executive will not directly or indirectly engage as a proprietor, partner, joint venture participant, employer, employee, consultant, contractor, agent, officer, director, investor alone or in association with other person, firm or corporation or any other entity, engage with any business entity or activity which competes with or is considered a customer or supplier of the Company regardless of geographical area.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Company agrees that Executive may engage in business activities with customers of the Company so long as the products and/or services offered for sale to such customers of the Company do not compete with products or services offered by the Company.
(d)    Integration.  The Parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties; that the Parties have executed this Agreement based upon the terms set forth herein; that the Parties have not relied on any prior agreement or representation, whether oral or written, which is not set forth in this Agreement; that no prior agreement, whether oral or written, shall have any effect on the terms and provisions of this Agreement; and that, except to the extent that they are specifically incorporated into or continued in effect under this Agreement, all prior agreements, whether oral or written, are expressly superseded and/or revoked by this Agreement.

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(e)    Severability and Waiver.  The Parties acknowledge and agree that each provision of this Agreement shall be enforceable independently of every other provision.  Furthermore, in the event that any provision is deemed to be unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions shall remain effective, binding and enforceable.  The Parties further acknowledge and agree that the failure of any party to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of that provision, or of any other provision of this Agreement.
(f)    Effective Date.  This Agreement will not become effective until the eighth (8th) day after Executive executes this Agreement (the “Effective Date”).  
(g)    Fees and Costs.  The Parties will each bear their own attorney's fees and costs in connection with drafting and negotiation of this Agreement.  In the event that any Party to this Agreement initiates legal action in any court or adjudicative body to enforce any provision of this Agreement, or initiates legal action based upon the breach of any provision of this Agreement by any other Party, the prevailing Party in any such legal proceeding shall recover, in addition to any legal or equitable relief otherwise available under applicable law, reasonable costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred in connection with the prosecution or defense of any such legal action.
(h)    Governing Law:  Except to the extent governed by federal law, this Agreement shall be governed by the statutes and common law of the State of New York, exclusive of any rules pertaining to conflicts of laws.  The Parties agree that any litigation pertaining to the interpretation, application or enforcement of any provision of this Agreement must be filed in a federal or state court of competent jurisdiction in the State of New York.
(i)    Successors and Assigns:  This Agreement will be binding on Executive, his heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors, and assigns, and will inure to the benefit of all Released Parties and their respective heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors and assigns.  
(j)    Interpretation:  This Agreement shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning.  It shall not be construed strictly for or against Executive or any Released Party.  Unless the context indicates otherwise, the term “or” shall be deemed to include the term “and” and the singular or plural number shall be deemed to include the other.  Captions are intended solely for convenience of reference and shall not be used in the interpretation of this Agreement. 

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	PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY AND CONSIDER ALL OF ITS PROVISIONS BEFORE SIGNING:  THIS AGREEMENT INCLUDES A RELEASE OF BOTH KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS.  IF YOU WISH, YOU SHOULD CONSULT AN ATTORNEY.

Executed at             ,         , this 8 day of April, 2014.
EXECUTIVE

/s/ Steven S. Lefkowitz

Executed at             ,         , this 10 day of April, 2014. 

EVERYWARE GLOBAL, INC.

By: /s/ Erika Schoenberger
Its: Associate General Counsel

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