Document:

Exhibit 10.3

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

CONSULTING AGREEMENT

 

This Consulting Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made as of May 26, 2015 (the “Effective Date”), by and among Andrew A. Giancamilli (“Consultant”), 99 Cents Only Stores LLC (the “Company”) and Number Holdings, Inc. (“Parent”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, based upon the reputation and successful experience of Consultant, the Company and Parent desire to engage Consultant as an independent contractor to provide the Services described herein.

 

THEREFORE, the Company, Parent and Consultant agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I
 CONSULTING ENGAGEMENT

 

1.1                   Services.

 

(a)                                 The Company and Parent hereby engage Consultant to perform, and Consultant agrees to perform, the following services (the “Services”) during the Term (as defined below), for and to the benefit of the Company and Parent (the “Engagement”):

 

(i)                                     Recruiting and transitioning a permanent Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company;

 

(ii)                                  Day-to-day management of the Company;

 

(iii)                               Retention of key Company employees;

 

(iv)                              Advancement of the Company’s long-term strategic plan; and

 

(v)                                 Other services as reasonably requested by the Board of Directors of the Parent (the “Board”).

 

(b)                                 Consultant agrees that proper performance of the Services will require substantially all of his business time, and accordingly Consultant shall not work on any engagement other than the Engagement during the Term, other than the positions set forth on Exhibit A.

 

(c)                                  During the Term, Consultant shall be a non-employee officer of each of the Company and Parent with the title “Interim President and Chief Executive Officer” of each of the Company and Parent.

 

(d)                                 Consultant shall perform the Services at the Company’s headquarters and other Company locations, and shall observe all rules, policies and practices of the Company and Parent.

 

(e)                                  Concurrently herewith, Consultant shall execute and deliver a Fair Competition Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.

 

 

1.2                   Consulting Fee.  As full consideration for the Services, the Company shall compensate Consultant at the rate of $52,916.67 per month (the “Monthly Consulting Fee”) during the Term (pro rated for any partial months).

 

1.3                   Fee Premium. Consultant shall be eligible to earn a discretionary fee premium (“Fee Premium”) for performance during the Engagement against benchmarks that will be established by the Board (or a committee thereof), in consultation with Consultant, within 30 days after the Effective Date.  The target Fee Premium shall be equal to (a) 100% of the Monthly Consulting Fee multiplied by (b) the number of full and partial months in the Term prior to the earliest of (i) the Termination Date, (ii) the date the Company announces the hiring of a permanent CEO, and (iii) the date the Company provides written notice not to extend the Expiration Date pursuant to Section 2.2(a)(ii)(B), payable for meeting the applicable benchmarks, as determined by the Board (or a committee thereof) in its sole discretion.  The actual amount of the Fee Premium (if any) will be contingent upon Consultant’s level of achievement of the applicable benchmarks.  The Board (or a committee thereof) shall determine in its sole discretion the level of achievement of the goals applicable to the Fee Premium as of the Termination Date.  Except in the event of termination of the Engagement by the Company pursuant to Section 2.2(a)(iii) or by the Consultant pursuant to Section 2.3(b), Consultant must be actively engaged in the Engagement on the Expiration Date (and must not have provided notice to the Company to terminate the Engagement pursuant to Section 2.2(a) or to not extend the Expiration Date pursuant to Section 2(a)(ii)(B)) to earn the Fee Premium (if any).  The Fee Premium (if any) shall be paid in the form of a cash lump sum not later than 45 days after the Termination Date.

 

1.4                   Expense Reimbursement.

 

(a)                                 The Company shall reimburse Consultant for all documented out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred during the Term in connection with the provision of the Services in accordance with the Company’s standard policies and procedures.

 

(b)                                 Without limiting the foregoing, the Company shall reimburse Consultant for all the following out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred during the Term in connection with Consultant’s temporary residence in Los Angeles, California (the “temporary relocation benefits”):  (i) roundtrip airfare for Consultant to Consultant’s current residence from Los Angeles for up to two trips per month and (ii) temporary living expenses in Los Angeles, including rental of a furnished apartment (not to exceed $5,000 per month) and automobile rental (not to exceed $1,500 per month).

 

(c)                                  All expense reimbursement, including the temporary relocation benefits, will be subject to the Company’s expense reimbursement policies as the same are in effect from time to time.

 

1.5                   Status of Consultant as Independent Contractor.  Consultant shall operate as an independent contractor to the Company and to Parent, and this Agreement shall not be construed to create any association, partnership, joint venture, employee or agency relationship between Consultant, on the one hand, and the Company or Parent, on the other.  Without limiting the foregoing:

 

(a)                                 Consultant shall retain discretion over the methods, details, means, techniques and procedures by which the Services are rendered, as long as the objectives set forth in Section 1.1(a) are met in a manner satisfactory to the Company.

 

(b)                                 Consultant is not eligible for, and Consultant hereby waives any claim to, wages, incentive compensation, profit sharing participation, stock options, other equity awards, health coverage and any other benefits provided to employees of the Company or any of its affiliates.  Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, Consultant shall execute the acknowledgement attached hereto as Attachment I.

 

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(c)                                  Consultant recognizes and understands that, if applicable, he will receive an IRS 1099 statement and related tax statements, and will be required to file corporate and/or individual tax returns and to pay taxes in accordance with all provisions of applicable Federal and State law.  At the Company’s request, Consultant shall provide proof of required tax payments.

 

1.6                   No Commitments.  Consultant shall not have the power or authority to enter into contracts, agreements or understandings, or to borrow money or incur debts or liabilities, on behalf of the Company, Parent or any of their respective affiliates.

 

1.7                   Representations. Consultant represents and warrants that (a) he has the right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform fully all of his obligations hereunder and (b) its execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the performance of the Services by Consultant do not and will not conflict with or result in any breach or default under any other agreement of Consultant.

 

ARTICLE II
 TERM AND TERMINATION

 

2.1                   Term.

 

(a)                                 Definitions.

 

(i)                                     “Term” means the period from the Effective Date through the Termination Date.

 

(ii)                                  “Expiration Date” means the earliest to occur of

 

(A)                               30 days following the start date of the Company’s permanent CEO; and

 

(B)                               the 180th day following the Effective Date, subject, in the case of this clause (B), to automatic, consecutive 30-day extensions, unless the Company or Parent on the one hand, or Consultant on the other, elects, upon not less than 30 days’ advance written notice to the other, for any such extension not to apply.

 

(iii)                               “Termination Date” means the Expiration Date, or if earlier, the date of termination of the Engagement pursuant to Section 2.2 or 2.3 or otherwise.

 

(iv)                              “Cause” means

 

(A)                               Consultant’s (x) conviction of a felony or (y) plea of nolo contendre in connection with any financial, business or commercial enterprise or transaction or any other matter;

 

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(B)                               Consultant becoming the subject of a criminal indictment or other regulatory proceeding initiated by the Securities and Exchange Commission or other federal or state regulatory body having oversight for financial institutions in any such case based on material allegations of improper conduct or activities involving (x) securities trading, (y) inaccurate disclosure or reporting, or other (z) financial matters that in Parent’s opinion could adversely affect the business or reputation of Parent or the Company, or that could otherwise materially disrupt the business affairs of Parent or the Company;

 

(C)                               Consultant’s material violation of law in connection with any transaction involving the purchase, sale, loan or other disposition of, or the rendering of investment advice with respect to, any security, futures or forward contract, insurance contract, debt instrument or currency;

 

(D)                               Consultant’s dishonesty, bad faith, gross negligence, willful misconduct, fraud or willful or reckless disregard of duties in connection with the performance of Services;

 

(E)                                Consultant’s material breach of this Agreement, to the extent not cured to the satisfaction of Parent within five days after the date of notice of such breach (to the extent susceptible to cure), or Consultant’s material breach of any other agreement with the Company, Parent or any of their respective affiliates;

 

(F)                                 Consultant’s material violation of the written policies adopted from time to time by the Company or Parent governing generally the conduct of persons performing services on behalf of the Company, Parent or any of their respective affiliates, to the extent not cured to the satisfaction of the Company and Parent within five days after the date of notice of such violation (to the extent susceptible to cure);

 

(G)                               Consultant’s intentional taking of any improper action or the intentional omission to take any proper action or omission to take any action that has caused or substantially contributed to a material deterioration in the business or reputation of the Company, Parent or any of their respective affiliates, or that was otherwise materially disruptive of the business affairs of the Company, Parent or any of their respective affiliates, provided, however, that the term Cause shall not include for this purpose any mistake in judgment made in good faith or any act or omission taken at the express or affirmative direction, or otherwise with the express affirmative approval, of the Board; or

 

(H)                              Consultant’s obtaining of any material improper personal benefit, including as a result of a breach of any covenant or agreement in connection with the provision of the Services.

 

(v)                                 “Disability” means any physical or mental illness, disability or incapacity of Consultant that prevents Consultant from performing all or substantially all of the Services as contemplated by this Agreement that continues for 30 consecutive days.

 

(b)                                 The Company and Parent on the one hand, and Consultant on the other, shall have the right to terminate the Engagement for any reason or for no reason prior to the Expiration Date, in accordance with Section 2.2 or 2.3, as applicable.

 

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2.2                   Termination by the Company.

 

(a)                                 The Company or Parent may terminate the Engagement immediately:

 

(i)                                     in the event of the death or Disability of Consultant;

 

(ii)                                  in the event of any action by Consultant constituting Cause; or

 

(iii)                               for any reason other than described in Sections 2.2(a)(i) and (ii) above.

 

(b)                                 In the event of termination of the Engagement by the Company or Parent pursuant to Section 2.2(a)(iii) above or 2.3(b) below, in either case prior to the Expiration Date, (i) Consultant shall be entitled to payment of the Monthly Consulting Fee from the Company through the Expiration Date and (ii) the Fee Premium (if any) earned pursuant to Section 1.3 above.

 

2.3                   Termination by Consultant.  Consultant may terminate the Engagement prior to the Expiration Date upon:

 

(a)                                 30 days prior written notice to the Company and Parent; or

 

(b)                                 the Company’s or Parent’s material breach of this Agreement, to the extent not cured within fifteen days after the date of notice of such breach (which notice must be given within fifteen days of such breach) and failure to cure such breach (to the extent susceptible to cure).

 

2.4                   Expiration.  Unless earlier terminated as described above, the Engagement shall terminate automatically on the Expiration Date, in which case Consultant shall receive from the Company the Monthly Consulting Fee through the Expiration Date and any Fee Premium (if any) earned pursuant to Section 1.3.  Except as described in Section 2.2, 2.3 or this Section 2.4, Consultant shall not be entitled to receive any other fees, remuneration or other amounts from the Company or Parent after the Termination Date.

 

ARTICLE III
 GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

3.1                   Governing Law.  This Agreement, the terms of Consultant’s Engagement, and any contest, dispute, controversy or claim arising therefrom or relating thereto, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with California law notwithstanding any conflicts of laws to the contrary to the extent they would require the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.

 

3.2                   Arbitration.  Subject to the Company’s or Parent’s right to seek equitable or injunctive relief under the Fair Competition Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any contest, dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, including the validity, interpretation, performance, breach, alleged breach or termination of this Agreement, whether arising during or after the Term, shall be resolved by arbitration in Los Angeles, California in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect (the “AAA Rules”); provided, that the arbitrator or arbitrators, as the case may be, be selected as follows:  Within 20 days of the commencement of an arbitration by a party hereunder, the parties shall attempt to designate a mutually acceptable arbitrator to hear and determine the matters set forth in the arbitration demand and any counterclaim.  If the parties cannot agree on such an arbitrator within such 20 day period, each party shall select an arbitrator and inform the other party in writing of such arbitrator’s name and address within ten days after 

 

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the end of such 20 day period.  The two arbitrators so selected shall attempt to select a third arbitrator within ten days thereafter.  If the two arbitrators cannot select a third arbitrator then selection of the third arbitrator shall be in accordance with the AAA Rules.  The decision of the arbitrator or arbitrators, as the case may be, shall be final and binding on both parties, and any court of competent jurisdiction may enter judgment upon the award.  The arbitrator or arbitrators, as the case may be, shall have the power to direct that reasonable and relevant discovery be permitted in the arbitration.  The fees charged by AAA or other arbitration administrator and the arbitrator shall be borne solely by the Company.  Additionally, the Company will pay all costs unique to the arbitration to the extent such costs would not otherwise be incurred in a court proceeding — for instance, the Company will, if required, pay the arbitrator’s fees to the extent they exceed court filing fees.  Otherwise, each party shall pay its own legal fees and expenses in any such arbitration, regardless of outcome and the arbitrator or arbitrators, as the case may be, may, but need not, award costs relating to such arbitration (including legal fees and expenses) to the prevailing party, otherwise, each party shall bear its own expenses.  The arbitrator or arbitrators, as the case may be, will apply California law to the merits of any dispute or claim, without reference to rules of conflicts of law to the extent they would require the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.  The parties hereby consent to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in California for any action or proceeding arising from or relating to this Agreement or relating to any arbitration in which the parties are participants.  The parties agree that any process or notice of motion or other application to either of such courts, and any papers in connection with any such arbitration, may be served by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by personal service or in such other manner as may be permissible under the rules of the applicable court or arbitration tribunal; provided that a reasonable time for appearance is allowed.

 

3.3                   Waiver of Contractual Right.  Failure of any party to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver or limitation of that party’s right to subsequently enforce and compel strict compliance with every provision of this Agreement.

 

3.4                   Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with any other documents incorporated herein by reference and related exhibits and schedules, constitutes the sole and entire agreement of the parties to this Agreement with respect to the subject matter contained herein, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings, agreements, representations and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to such subject matter.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement does not supersede or otherwise affect any arrangement Consultant has as a director of Parent, including with respect to any director fees or fees as chairman of the board of directors of Parent.

 

3.5                   Severability.  If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions shall continue to be valid and enforceable.  If a court finds that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, but that by limiting such provision it would become valid and enforceable, then such provision shall be deemed to be written, construed and enforced as so limited.

 

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3.6                   Notices.  All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed delivered when delivered in person or deposited in the U.S. mail, postage prepaid, or transmitted via facsimile or electronic mail addressed as follows:

 

If to the Company:

 

99 Cents Only Stores LLC

4000 Union Pacific Avenue
 Commerce, CA 90023
 Facsimile: (323) 307-9611
 Attention: General Counsel

 

If to Parent:

 

Number Holdings, Inc.
 c/o Ares Management, LLC
 2000 Avenue of the Stars, 12th Floor
 Los Angeles, CA 90067
 Facsimile: (323) 201-4170
 Attention: Adam Stein

 

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

 

3.7                   Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, including by electronic or facsimile transmission, each of which shall constitute an original, but when taken together, shall constitute a single instrument.

 

3.8                   Amendment.  This Agreement may be modified or amended only with the written consent of both parties.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties execute this Agreement.

 

	
 
    	
99 Cents Only Stores LLC
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Paul Dolby
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Paul Dolby
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
Senior Vice President,   Human Resources
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Number Holdings, Inc.
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Michael Green
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Michael Green
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
Interim General Counsel   and Assistant Secretary
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Andrew A. Giancamilli
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
/s/ Andrew A.   Giancamilli
    

 

[Signature Page to Consulting Agreement]

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

PERMITTED ENGAGEMENTS

 

 

EXHIBIT B

 

FAIR COMPETITION AGREEMENT

 

 

ATTACHMENT IEXHIBIT 10.4

 

 EXHIBIT 10.4
 

 

 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 

 

 This Agreement, entered in to this 5th day of December 2014, is by and between Energizer Tennis, Inc.,
 a Nevada corporation (hereinafter referred to as the “Company”) and Robert Thompson (hereinafter referred to
 as "Employee") under the following terms and conditions:
 

 RECITALS:
 

 A.
 The Company and Employee desire to set forth the terms and conditions on which (i) the
 Company shall employ Employee, (ii) Employee shall render services to the Company or a subsidiary or parent
 of the Company, and (iii) the Company shall compensate Employee for such services to the Company; and
 

 B.
 In connection with the employment of Employee by the Company, the Company shall have an
 obligation to make any payments to Employee for Base Salary and Bonuses, as defined below and as required
 by this Agreement.
 

 

 NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and agreements hereinafter set
 forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:
 

 

 1.
 EMPLOYMENT AND TERM
 

 1.1
 Employment. The Company hereby employs Employee and Employee hereby accepts
 employment with the Company as its Secretary and CFO / Treasurer upon the terms and conditions
 hereinafter set forth.
 

 1.2
 Initial Term. The term of this Agreement shall be for a period of 1 year, commencing on
 the effective date (as defined in subsection 1.4 below) of this Agreement through December 5, 2014.
 

 1.3
 Extending Term. For Purposes of extending the term of the relationship between the
 Company and Employee, the parties agree to enter into good faith negotiations within thirty (30) days
 prior to the extension or termination of this Agreement. In the event that the parties are unable to reach
 an agreement at such time as this Agreement terminates, this Agreement shall be automatically
 terminated on December 5, 2015.
 

 1.4
 Effective Date. The effective date of this Agreement shall be
 December 5, 2014.
 

 2.0
 COMPENSATION
 

 2.1
 Basic Monthly Compensation.
 For all services rendered by Employee under this
 Agreement, the Company shall pay Employee during the term of this agreement a monthly
 compensation of $5,000 a month.
  
 
 2.2
 Legend. Subject to Rule 144 restrictions, 12 months following issuance of any stock that
 is issued to employee the Company agrees to and shall direct its transfer agent to remove the restrictive
 legend to facilitate a sale of such shares made, or to be made, in compliance with Rule 144 subject to
 issuance by the Company’s SEC legal counsel that the legend can be removed from Employee’s shares
 to facilitate such sale. The Company agrees to and promptly shall direct it’s SEC legal counsel to issue
 an opinion letter regarding the removal of the restrictive legend from the Employee’s stock certificate or
 certificates to facilitate a complying sale or the Company agrees to accept an opinion letter from any
 SEC attorney that Employee chooses unless the Company’s SEC legal counsel advises the Company
 that Rule 144 would not be available for the proposed sale. The Company also agrees to and promptly
 shall provide any information requested by legal counsel and agrees to make further direction to its
 transfer agent as necessary for such issuance of an opinion regarding removal of the legend or the sale of
 such restricted shares under Rule 144 or other available exemption from registration.
 

 (a)
 In the event that the Company fails within fifteen (15) days after request by Employee to
 direct its transfer agent to remove the legend to facilitate a sale in compliance with Rule
 144 at a time when Rule 144 is otherwise available, the Company shall be liable to an
 additional fee of ten percent (10%) of the current value of the shares held by Employee,
 as well as any and all attorney fees and costs that Employee may incur as a result of the
 Company failing to comply in this request.
 

 2.3
 Expense Reimbursement. The Company will reimburse Employee for all reasonable
 expenses incurred in the process of performing duties as a Company employee and/or on the Company’s
 behalf, including but not limited to expenses incurred from the Employee’s home office.
 

 

 3.
 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 

 3.1
 Duties and Responsibilities. Employee shall, during the term of this Agreement, expend
 his best efforts, energies and skills to the business of the Company and/or any subsidiaries (each a
 "Subsidiary".) For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Company" shall mean the Company, all
 subsidiaries, and the parent company (if there ever becomes one). Employee may serve on the Board of
 Directors of other private or public companies and is permitted to consult with private and public
 companies.
 

 3.2
 Offices. Employee shall serve as the Secretary and CFO / Treasurer of the Company.
 Employee will report directly to the Board of Directors of the Company. Employee will be responsible
 for overseeing all aspects of the Company and perform the normal duties of a Secretary and CFO /
 Treasurer of a publicly traded company. In the performance of all of his responsibilities hereunder,
 Employee shall be subject to all of the Company's policies, rules, and regulations applicable to its
 employees of comparable status and shall report directly to, and shall be subject to, the direction and
 control of the Board and shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to him. In performing such
 duties, Employee will be subject to and abide by, and will use his best efforts to cause other employees
 of the Company to be subject to and abide by, all policies and procedures developed by the Board of
 Directors of the Company. Employee shall work out of his home office and/or an office provided for by
 the Company within 50 miles of his home, the choice will be that of the employee.
 4.
 ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEE COVENANTS
 

 4.1
 Confidential Information. Employee acknowledges that the nature of Employee’s
 engagement by the Company is such that Employee shall have access to information of a confidential
 and/or trade secret nature which has great value to the Company and which constitutes a substantial
 basis and foundation upon which the business of the Company is based. Such information includes
 financial, manufacturing and marketing data, techniques, processes, formulas, developmental or
 experimental work, work in process, methods, trade secrets (including, without limitation, customer lists
 and lists of customer sources), or any other secret or confidential information relating to the products,
 services, customers, sales or business affairs of the Company or its Affiliates (the “Confidential
 Information”). Employee shall keep all such Confidential Information in confidence during the term of
 this Agreement and shall not disclose any of such Confidential Information to any other person, except
 to the extend such disclosure is (i) required by applicable law, (ii) lawfully obtainable from other
 sources, or (iii) authorized in writing by the Company. Upon termination of Employee’s employment
 with the Company, Employee shall deliver to the Company all documents, records, notebooks, work
 papers, and all similar material containing any of the foregoing information.
 

 5.
 TERMINATION
 

 This Agreement and all obligations hereunder shall terminate upon the earliest to occur of any of
 the following:
 

 5.1
 Expiration of Term.
 The expiration of the term provided for in Section 1.2 of this
 agreement or the voluntary termination by Employee or retirement from the Company in accordance
 with the normal retirement policies of the Company.
 

 5.2
 Death or Disability of Employee. The death or disability of Employee. For the purposes
 of this Agreement, disability shall mean the absence of Employee performing Employee’s duties with
 the Company on a full-time basis for a period of six months period, as a result of incapacity due to
 mental or physical illness which is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the
 Company or its insurers and acceptable to Employee or Employee’s legal representative (such
 agreement as to acceptability not to be withheld unreasonably). If Employee shall become disabled,
 Employee’s employment may be terminated by written notice from the Company to Employee.
 

 5.3
 For Cause or Without Good Reason.
 The Company may terminate Employee’s
 employment and all of Employee’s rights to receive Base Salary and Bonuses hereunder for Cause or
 upon the resignation of Employee without Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, the term
 “Cause” shall be limited to the willful commission of a felony or other act of moral turpitude which
 directly and demonstrably causes material, tangible harm to the Company, and “Good Reason” shall be
 defined as (i) demotion of Employee from the position of Secretary and CFO / Treasurer without the
 consent of Employee; (ii) any attempt to decrease Employee’s Base Salary or Bonuses; (iii) any breach
 of this Agreement by the Company; or (iv) any requirement that Employee relocate to an office more
 than 50 miles from Employee’s current home address; (v) the company does not pay employee his
 salary any given month.
 Notwithstanding the foregoing, Employee shall not be terminated for Cause pursuant to this Section 5
 unless and until Employee has received notice of a proposed termination for Cause and Employee has
 had an opportunity to be heard before at least a majority of the members of the Board. Employee shall
 be deemed to have had such an opportunity if given written or telephonic notice at least 72 hours in
 advance of a meeting.
 

 

 6.
 THE COMPANY'S AUTHORITY
 

 Employee agrees to observe and comply with the reasonable rules and regulations of the
 Company as adopted by the Board either orally or in writing respecting performance of his duties and to
 carry out and perform orders, directions, and policies stated by the Board, to him from time to time,
 either orally or in writing.
 

 

 7.
 ASSIGNMENT
 

 7.1
 Personal Contract of Employee. This Agreement is a personal contract, and the duties
 and obligations of the Employee hereunder may not be transferred or assigned, except as otherwise
 expressly authorized in writing by the Company.
 

 7.2
 Assignment by Company. The Company shall have the right to assign this Agreement to
 any successor of substantially all of its business or assets, and any such successor shall be bound by all
 of the provisions hereof.
 

 8.
 INDEMNIFICATION AND LIABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS
 

 8.1
 Limitations on Liability. The Company agrees that Employee shall not be liable under
 this agreement to The Company or their respective successor’s, assigns or affiliates except where
 damages result directly from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Employee. The Company
 agrees that the Employee shall not have any liability as a result of the execution and delivery of this
 Agreement, or other matters relating to or arising from this Agreement. Without limiting the generality
 of the foregoing, in no event shall the Employee be liable for consequential, indirect or punitive
 damages for lost profits or opportunities or other like damages or claims of any kind. The Company
 shall indemnify Employee, and hold Employee harmless against any and all claims by third parties for
 losses, damages or liabilities, including reasonable attorneys fees and expenses (“Losses”), arising in
 any manner out of or in connection with the rendering of services by Employee under this Agreement.
 The terms of this paragraph shall survive the termination of this agreement.
 

 8.2
 Indemnification. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Employee from
 and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, obligations, costs and expenses (including
 reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses and costs of investigation) arising out of or relating to matters
 or arising from this Agreement and the employee’s employment with the Company. The Company will
 pay and, subject to any legal limitations, advance all expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and
 costs of court approved settlements, actually and necessarily incurred by Employee in connection with
 the defense of any action, suit or proceeding and in connection with any appeal thereon, which has been
 brought against Employee by reason of Employee’s service as an officer or agent of the Company or of
 any Affiliate of the Company
 

 9.
 MISCELLANEOUS
 

 9.1
 Notices.
 All notices, requests, demands, and other communications required to or
 permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing addressed to the other party at the
 physical address and email address set forth below and shall be conclusively deemed to have been duly
 given when:
 

 (a) The next business day after same have been deposited with a national overnight delivery
 service, shipping prepaid, addressed to the parties as set forth below with next-business day
 delivery guaranteed, provided that the sending party receives a confirmation of delivery from the
 delivery service provider; or
 

 (b) Three business days after mailing if mailed from within the continental United States by
 registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the parties as set forth
 below.
 (c) Three business days after email being sent and confirmed.
 

 Company:
 Energizer Tennis, Inc.
 

 

 

 

 Employee:
 Robert Thompson
 
 
 

 

 9.2
 Attorneys’ Fees. If any legal action or other proceeding is brought for the enforcement of
 this Agreement, or because of an alleged dispute, breach, default, or misrepresentation in connection
 with any of the provisions of this Agreement, the successful or prevailing party or parties will be entitled
 to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs incurred in that action or proceeding, in addition to
 any other relief to which it or they may be entitled.
 

 9.3
 Entire Agreement; Modification; Waiver. This Agreement constitutes the entire
 agreement between or among the parties pertaining to the subject matter contained in it and supersedes
 all prior and contemporaneous agreements, representations, and understandings of the parties. No
 supplement, modification, or amendment of this Agreement will be binding unless executed in writing
 by all the parties or the applicable parties to be bound by such amendment. No waiver of any of the
 provisions of this Agreement will constitute a waiver of any other provision, whether or not similar, nor
 will any waiver constitute a continuing waiver. No waiver will be binding unless executed in writing by
 the party making the waiver.
 

 9.4
 Governing Law. This Agreement and the rights and duties of the parties hereto shall be
 construed and determined in accordance with the laws of the State of California, and any and all actions
 to enforce the provisions of this Agreement shall be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in
 Orange County, in the State of California, and in no other place.
 

 9.5
 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any
 court of final jurisdiction, it is the intent of the parties that all other provisions of this Agreement be
 construed to remain fully valid, enforceable, and binding on the parties.
 

 9.6
 Effect of Headings.
 The subject headings of the sections and subsections of this
 Agreement are included for convenience only and will not affect the construction of any of its
 provisions.
 

 9.7
 Counterparts; Facsimile Execution. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
 counterparts and all such counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one instrument.
 Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Agreement by facsimile shall be equally as effective as
 delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement. Any party delivering an executed
 counterpart of this Agreement by facsimile also shall deliver a manually executed counterpart of this
 Agreement, but the failure to deliver a manually executed counterpart shall not affect the validity,
 enforceability, or binding effect of this Agreement.
 

 9.8
 Survival of Covenants, Etc. All covenants, representations and warranties made herein
 shall survive the making of this Agreement and shall continue in full force and effect until the
 obligations of this Agreement have been fully satisfied.
 

 9.9
 Full Knowledge. By their signatures, the parties acknowledge that they have carefully
 read and fully understand the terms and conditions of this Agreement, that each party has had the benefit
 of counsel, or has been advised to obtain counsel, and that each party has freely agreed to be bound by
 the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
 

 9.10
 Arbitration of All Other Claims. Except that either party may seek equitable or similar
 relief from a court, any controversy, dispute or claim of whatever nature arising out of, in connection
 with or relating to this Agreement or the interpretation, meaning, performance, breach or enforcement
 thereof, including any controversy, dispute or claim based on contract, tort, or statute, and including
 without limitation claims relating to the validity of this Agreement, shall be resolved at the request of
 either party to this Agreement by binding arbitration conducted at a location determined by the arbitrator
 in Los Angeles, California, administered by and in accordance with the then existing Rules of Practice
 and Procedure of J*A*M*S/Endispute, Inc. (J•A•M•S) (except as modified in conformance with any
 requirements of California law), and judgment upon any award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be
 entered by any State or Federal Court having jurisdiction thereof. Either party may commence such
 proceeding by giving notice to the other party in the manner provided in sub-paragraph (f) below. Upon
 filing a demand for arbitration, all parties to the Agreement will have right of discovery to the maximum
 extent provided by law for actions tried before a court, and both agree that in the event of an arbitration,
 

 disputes as to discovery shall be determined by the arbitrator(s).The arbitrator(s) in any such
 proceeding shall apply California substantive law and the California Evidence Code to the proceeding.
 The arbitrator(s) shall have the power to grant all legal and equitable remedies and award damages
 provided by California law. The arbitrator(s) shall prepare in writing and provide to the parties an award
 including findings of fact and conclusions of law. The arbitrator(s) shall not have the power to commit
 errors of law or legal reasoning, and the award may be vacated or corrected pursuant to California Code
 of Civil Procedure §§1286.2 or 1286.6 for any such error. Each party shall bear its expenses, costs and
 attorney fees relating to the arbitration and recovery under any order and/or judgment rendered therein,
 including one-half the arbitrator(s) fees. The parties hereto hereby submit to the exclusive jurisdiction
 of the courts of the State of California for the purpose of enforcement of this agreement to arbitrate and
 any and all awards or orders rendered pursuant thereto.
 

 10.
 CORPORATE APPROVALS
 

 The Company represents and warrants that the execution of this Agreement by its corporate
 officer named below has been duly authorized by the Board, is not in conflict with any Bylaw or other
 agreement, and will be a binding obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms.
 

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date above written.
 

 

 EMPLOYEE:
 

 /s/ Robert Thompson
 Robert Thompson
 

 

 

 

 THE COMPANY:
 Energizer Tennis, Inc.
 

 

 By: /s/ Alexander Farquharson
 Alexander Farquharson, President

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