Document:

<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 10.18

                           CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT

THIS CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made as of the 18th day of
March, 2000, between STERIS Corporation, an Ohio corporation ("STERIS"), and LES
C. VINNEY ("Executive"), and supercedes the prior such change of control
agreement dated July 16, 1999.

STERIS is entering into this Agreement in recognition of the importance of
Executive's services to the continuity of management of STERIS and based upon
its determination that it will be in the best interests of STERIS to encourage
Executive's continued attention and dedication to Executive's duties in the
potentially disruptive circumstances of a possible Change of Control of STERIS.
(As used in this Agreement, the term "Change of Control" and certain other
capitalized terms have the meanings ascribed to them in Section 7, at the end of
this Agreement.)

STERIS and Executive agree, effective as of the date first set forth above (the
"Effective Date"), as follows:

1.   Basic Severance Benefits. The benefits described in the subsections of this
Section 1 are subject to the limitations set forth in Subsections 4.1 (regarding
withholding) and 4.2 (requiring the execution of a waiver and release by
Executive).

     1.1 Lump Sum Severance Benefit if Employment is Terminated in Certain
Circumstances Within Two Years of a Change of Control. If, within two years
following the occurrence of a Change of Control, Executive's employment with
STERIS is terminated

     (a) by STERIS for any reason other than Cause, Disability, or death,

     (b) by Executive after a Reduction of Compensation or a Mandatory
     Relocation has occurred, or

     (c) by Executive following a determination in good faith by Executive that
     as a result of a Change of Control he is unable to carry out the
     authorities, power, functions, responsibilities, or duties that he had in
     the positions and offices of STERIS held by Executive before the Change of
     Control in the same manner, with the same discretion, and to the same
     extent as he was able to carry out the authorities, powers, functions,
     responsibilities, or duties attached to those positions as in effect before
     the Change of Control.

STERIS shall pay to Executive, within 30 days after the Termination Date, a
lump sum severance benefit equal to three times the sum of

     (x) one year's Base Salary (at the highest rate in effect at any time
     during the one year period ending on the date of the Change of Control),
     plus

     (y) Executive's Average Annual Incentive Compensation.

                                       1
<PAGE>

     1.2 Accrued Base Salary and Vacation Pay. If Executive becomes entitled to
payment of a lump sum severance benefit under Subsection 1.1 above, STERIS
shall, within 10 days after the Termination Date, pay to Executive (a) all Base
Salary accrued through the Termination Date but not previously paid and (b) a
cash payment equal to the value of any vacation time accrued through the
Termination Date but not used by Executive (valued at a rate equal to
Executive's Base Salary at the highest rate in effect at any time during the one
year period ending on the date of the Change of Control).

     1.3 Special Prior Year MICP Payments. If Executive becomes entitled to
payment of a lump sum severance benefit under Subsection 1.1 above and the
Termination Date occurs on the last day of or after the end of a Fiscal Year but
before STERIS makes final MICP payments with respect to that Fiscal Year, STERIS
shall pay to Executive, at the regularly scheduled time for such final MICP
payments (the "Regular Payment Date"), but in any event not later than 60 days
after the end of the Fiscal Year, as incentive compensation, the same amount or
amounts that STERIS would have paid to Executive as incentive compensation with
respect to that Fiscal Year at the Regular Payment Date if Executive's
employment had continued through the Regular Payment Date. This Subsection 1.4
is intended to override any provision of the MICP that would otherwise cause
Executive to forfeit any incentive compensation with respect to any Fiscal Year
that ends on or before the Termination Date because Executive does not remain in
the employ of STERIS through the Regular Payment Date with respect to that
Fiscal Year.

     1.4 Special Pro-Rata MICP Payment. If Executive becomes entitled to payment
of a lump sum severance benefit under Subsection 1.1 above and the Termination
Date occurs on other than the last day of a Fiscal Year, in addition to the
payment, if any, provided for in Subsection 1.3 above, STERIS shall, within 60
days after the end of the calendar quarter in which the Termination Date occurs,
pay to Executive, as additional incentive compensation for the period from the
first day of the Fiscal Year in which the Termination Date occurs through the
Termination Date (the "Pre-Termination Part Year"), an amount equal to the
excess of:

     (a) the product of the fraction specified in the last sentence of this
     Subsection 1.4 and the higher of (i) Executive's Target Annual Incentive
     Compensation and (ii) the dollar amount of the cumulative award that would
     have been payable to Executive under the MICP for that entire Fiscal Year
     had the level of relevant performance through the end of the Fiscal Year
     equaled the level of relevant performance through the last calendar
     quarter, if any, in that Fiscal Year that ended before the Termination
     Date, over

     (b) the amount of incentive compensation previously paid to Executive with
     respect to that Fiscal Year.

The fraction to be used in calculating the amount to be paid under this
Subsection 1.4 shall have a numerator equal to the number of days in the
Pre-Termination Part Year and a denominator of 365.

     1.5 Continued Health, Dental, and Lift Insurance Coverage. If Executive
becomes entitled to payment of a lump sump severance benefit under Subsection
1.1 above, STERIS shall, during the period from the Termination Date through the
third anniversary of the Termination Date, continue to provide Executive with
the same health, dental, and life insurance coverage and benefits that were
being provided to Executive immediately before the Change of Control. If

                                       2
<PAGE>

Executive becomes entitled to payment of a lump sum severance benefit under
Subsection 1.2 above, STERIS shall, during the period from the Termination Date
through the second anniversary of the Termination Date, continue to provide
Executive with the same health. dental, and life insurance coverage and benefits
that were being provided to Executive immediately before the Change of Control.
Coverage and benefits to be provided under this Subsection 1.5 shall be provided
to Executive at the same cost, if any, to Executive as they were provided to
Executive immediately before the Change of Control.

2.   Other Benefits.

     2.1  Reimbursement of Certain Expenses After a Change of Control.

     (a) From and after a Change of Control, STERIS shall pay, as incurred, all
     expenses of Executive, including the reasonable fees of counsel engaged by
     Executive, of defending any action brought to have this agreement declared
     invalid or unenforceable.

     (b) From and after a Change of Control, STERIS shall pay, as incurred, all
     expenses of Executive, including the reasonable fees of counsel engaged by
     Executive, of prosecuting any action to compel STERIS to comply with the
     terms of this Agreement upon receipt from Executive of an undertaking to
     repay STERIS for such expenses if, and only if, it is ultimately determined
     by a court of competent jurisdiction that Executive had no reasonable
     grounds for bringing that action (which determination need not be made
     simply because Executive fails to succeed in the action).

     (c) From and after a Change of Control, expenses (including attorney's
     fees) incurred by Executive in defending any action, suit, or proceeding
     commenced or threatened (whether before or after the Change of Control)
     against Executive for any action or failure to act as an employee, officer,
     or director of STERIS or any Subsidiary shall be paid by STERIS, as they
     are incurred, in advance of final disposition of the action suit, or
     proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of Executive in
     which Executive agrees to reasonably cooperate with STERIS or the
     Subsidiary, as the case may be, concerning the action, suit, or proceeding
     and (i) if the action, suit, or proceeding is commenced or threatened
     against Executive for any action or failure to act as a director, to repay
     the amount if it is proved by clear and convincing evidence in a court of
     competent jurisdiction that Executive's action or failure to act involved
     an act or omission undertaken with deliberate intent to cause injury to
     STERIS or a Subsidiary or undertaken with reckless disregard for the best
     interests of STERIS or a Subsidiary, or (ii) if the action, suit, or
     proceeding is commenced or threatened against Executive for any action or
     failure to act as an officer or employee, to repay the amount if it is
     ultimately determined that Executive is not entitled to be indemnified.

     2.2 Indemnification. From and after a Change of Control, STERIS shall
indemnify Executive, to the full extent permitted or authorized by the Ohio
General Corporation Law as it may from time to time be amended, if Executive is
(whether before or after the Change of Control) made or threatened to be made a
party to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding,
whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, by reason of the fact
that Executive is or was a director, officer, or employee of STERIS or any
subsidiary, or is or was serving at the request of STERIS or any subsidiary as a
director, trustee, officer, or

                                       3
<PAGE>

employee of a corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other
enterprise. The indemnification provided by this Subsection 2.2 shall not be
deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Executive may be entitled under
the articles of incorporation or the regulations of STERIS or of any Subsidiary,
or any agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise,
both as to action in Executive's official capacity and as to action in another
capacity while holding such office, and shall continue as to Executive after
Executive has ceased to be a director, trustee, officer, or employee and shall
inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors. and administrators of Executive.

     2.3 Disability. If, after a Change of Control and prior to the Termination
Date. Executive is unable to perform services for STERIS for any period by
reason of disability. STERIS will pay and provide to Executive all compensation
and benefits to which Executive would have been entitled had Executive continued
to be actively employed by STERIS through the earliest of the following dates:
(a) the first date on which Executive is no longer so disabled to such an extent
that Executive is unable to perform services for STERIS, (b) the date on which
Executive becomes eligible for payment of long term disability benefits under a
long term disability plan generally applicable to executives of STERIS, (c) the
date on which STERIS has paid and provided 24 months of compensation and
benefits to Executive during Executive's disability, or (d) the date of
Executive's death.

     2.4 Gross-Up of Payments Deemed to be Excess Parachute Payments.

     (a) STERIS and Executive acknowledge that, following a Change of Control,
     one or more payments or distributions to be made by STERIS to or for the
     benefit of Executive (whether paid or payable or distributed or
     distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, under some other
     plan, agreement, or arrangement, or otherwise, and including, without
     limitation, any income recognized by Executive upon exercise of an option
     granted by STERIS to acquire Common Shares issued by STERIS) (a "Payment")
     may be determined to be an "excess parachute payment" that is not
     deductible by STERIS for federal income tax purposes and with respect to
     which Executive will be subject to an excise tax because of Sections 280G
     and 4999, respectively, of the Internal Revenue Code (hereinafter referred
     to respectively as "Section 280G" and "Section 4999"). If Executive's
     employment is terminated after a Change of Control occurs, the Accounting
     Firm, which, subject to any inconsistent position asserted by the Internal
     Revenue Service, shall make all determinations required to be made under
     this Subsection 2.4, shall determine whether any Payment would be an excess
     parachute payment and shall communicate its determination, together with
     detailed supporting calculations, to STERIS and to Executive within 30 days
     after the Termination Date or such earlier time as is requested by STERIS.
     STERIS and Executive shall cooperate with each other and the accounting
     Firm and shall provide necessary information so that the Accounting Firm
     may make all such determinations. STERIS shall pay all of the fees of the
     Accounting Firm for services performed by the Accounting Firm as
     contemplated in this Subsection 2.4.

     (b) If the Accounting Firm determines that any Payment gives rise, directly
     or indirectly, to liability on the part of Executive for excise tax under
     Section 4999 (and/or any penalties and/or interest with respect to any such
     excise tax), STERIS shall make additional cash payments to Executive, from
     time to time and at the same time as any

                                       4
<PAGE>

     Payment constituting an excess parachute payment is paid or provided to
     Executive, in such amounts as are necessary to put Executive in the same
     position, after payment of all federal, state, and local taxes (whether
     income taxes, excise taxes under Section 4999, or otherwise, or other
     taxes) and any and all penalties and interest with respect to any such
     excise tax, as Executive would have been in after payment of all federal,
     state, and local income taxes if the Payments had not given rise to an
     excise tax under Section 4999 and no such penalties or interest had been
     imposed.

     (c) If the Internal Revenue Service determines that any Payment gives rise,
     directly or indirectly, to liability on the part of Executive for excise
     tax under Section 4999 (and/or any penalties and/or interest with respect
     to any such excise tax) in excess of the amount, if any, previously
     determined by the Accounting Firm, STERIS shall make further additional
     cash payments to Executive not later than the due date of any payment
     indicated by the Internal Revenue Service with respect to these matters, in
     such amounts as are necessary to put Executive in the same position, after
     payment of all federal, state, and local taxes (whether income taxes,
     excise taxes under Section 4999, or otherwise, or other taxes) and any and
     all penalties and interest with respect to any such excise tax, as
     Executive would have been in after payment of all federal, state, and local
     income taxes if the Payments had not given rise to an excise tax under
     Section 4999 and no such penalties or interest had been imposed.

     (d) If STERIS desires to contest any determination by the Internal Revenue
     Service with respect to the amount of excise tax under Section 4999,
     Executive shall, upon receipt from STERIS of an unconditional written
     undertaking to indemnify and hold Executive harmless (on an after tax
     basis) from any and all adverse consequences that might arise from the
     contesting of that determination, cooperate with STERIS in that contest at
     STERIS's sole expense. Nothing in this Paragraph (d) shall require
     Executive to incur any expense other than expenses with respect to which
     STERIS has paid to Executive sufficient sums so that after the payment of
     the expense by Executive and taking into account the payment by STERIS with
     respect to that expense and any and all taxes that may be imposed upon
     Executive as a result of Executive's receipt of that payment. the net
     effect is no cost to Executive. Nothing in this Paragraph (d) shall require
     Executive to extend the statute of limitations with respect to any item or
     issue in Executive's tax returns other than, exclusively, the excise tax
     under Section 4999. If, as the result of the contest of any assertion by
     the Internal Revenue Service with respect to excise tax under Section 4999,
     Executive receives a refund of a Section 4999 excise tax previously paid
     and/or any interest with respect thereto, Executive shall promptly pay to
     STERIS such amount as will leave Executive, net of the repayment and all
     tax effects, in the same position, after all taxes and interest, that he
     would have been in if the refunded excise tax had never been paid.

3. No Set-Off No Obligation to Seek Other Employment or to Otherwise Mitigate
Damages; No Effect Upon Other Plans. STERIS's obligation to make the payments
provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations
hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment,
defense, or other claim whatsoever that STERIS or any of its Subsidiaries may
have against Executive. Executive shall not be required to mitigate damages or
the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement by seeking other
employment or

                                       5
<PAGE>

otherwise. Except as provided in the last sentence of this Section 3, neither
the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement nor Executive's
right to any other benefit under this Agreement shall be reduced by any
compensation or benefits earned by Executive as the result of employment by
another employer or otherwise after the termination of Executive1s employment.
Neither the provisions of this Agreement, nor the execution of the waiver and
release referred to in Subsection 4.2 below, nor the making of any payment
provided for hereunder shall reduce any amounts otherwise payable, or in any way
diminish Executive's rights, under any incentive compensation plan, stock option
plan, retirement plan, disability or insurance plan, or other similar contract,
plan, or arrangement of STERIS, except that the payment of a pro-rata incentive
compensation benefit under Subsection 1.4 shall satisfy, to the extent of that
payment, any obligation STERIS might have to Executive for payments under the
MICP for the year in which the Termination Date occurs. STERIS's obligation to
provide continuing health, dental, and/or life insurance coverage and benefits,
as the case may be, shall be discontinued before the time otherwise specified in
Subsection 1.5 if, as, and when Executive becomes eligible to receive roughly
comparable health, dental, and/or life insurance coverage and benefits, as the
case may be, from a subsequent employer.

4.   Certain Limitations on Benefits.

     4.1 Taxes; Withholding of Taxes. Without limiting either the right of
STERIS to withhold taxes pursuant to this Subsection 4.1 or the obligation of
STERIS to make gross-up payments pursuant to Subsection 2.4, Executive shall be
responsible for all income, excise, and other taxes (federal, state, city, or
other) imposed on or incurred by Executive as a result of receiving the payments
provided in this Agreement, including, without limitation, the payments provided
under Section 1 of this Agreement. STERIS may withhold from any amounts payable
under this Agreement all federal, state, city, or other taxes as STERIS shall
determine to be required pursuant to any law or government regulation or ruling.

     4.2 Waiver and Release. STERIS may condition the payment of any amounts
otherwise due under Section 1 of this Agreement upon (a) the execution by
Executive of a waiver and release in the form attached to this Agreement as
Exhibit A, with blanks appropriately filled and, in the case of clause (e)
contained therein, completed with the number of days that STERIS determines is
required under applicable law, but in no event more than 45 days, and (b) the
observation of such waiting periods, if any, before and after execution of the
waiver and release by Executive as are required by law, such as, for example,
the waiting periods required for a waiver and release to be effective with
respect to claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, provided that
STERIS delivers to Executive such a waiver and release, appropriately completed,
within seven days of the Termination Date.

5. Term of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be effective as of the Effective
Date and shall thereafter apply to any Change of Control occurring on or before
March 31, 2002. Unless this Agreement is terminated earlier pursuant to
Subsection 5.1, on March 31, 2002 and on March 31 of each succeeding year
thereafter (a "Renewal Date"), the term of this Agreement shall be automatically
extended for an additional year unless either party has given notice to the
other, at least one year in advance of that Renewal Date, that the Agreement
shall not apply to any Change of Control occurring after that Renewal Date.

                                       6
<PAGE>

     5.1 Termination of Agreement Upon Termination of Employment Before a Change
of Control. This Agreement shall automatically terminate and cease to be of any
further effect on the first date occurring before a Change of Control on which
Executive is no longer employed by STERIS, except that, for purposes of this
Agreement, any termination of employment of Executive that is effected both (a)
during the one year period ending on the date of a Change of Control and (b) in
contemplation of a Change of Control shall be deemed to be a termination of
Executive's employment as of immediately after that Change of Control becomes
irrevocable (as provided in Subsection 7.4) and Executive shall be entitled to
payments and benefits under this Agreement as if Executive's employment had
continued through the day after the Change of Control became irrevocable and had
then been terminated.

     5.2 No Termination of Agreement During Two Year Period Beginning on Date of
a Change of Control. After a Change of Control, this Agreement may not be
terminated. However, if Executive's employment with STERIS continues for more
than two years following the occurrence of a Change of Control, then, for all
purposes of this Agreement other than Subsections 2.1 and 2.2, that particular
Change of Control shall thereafter be treated as if it never occurred.

6.   Miscellaneous.

     6.1 Successor to STERIS. STERIS shall not consolidate with or merge into
any other corporation, or transfer all or substantially all of its assets to
another corporation or other entity, unless such other corporation or other
entity shall assume this Agreement in a signed writing and deliver a copy
thereof to Executive. Upon such assumption the successor corporation or other
entity shall become obligated to perform the obligations of STERIS under this
Agreement and the term "STERIS" as used in this Agreement shall be deemed to
refer to such successor corporation or other entity.

     6.2 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other
communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been duly given (a) when delivered in person (to Executive in the
case of notices to Executive and to the Secretary of STERIS in the case of
notices to STERIS) or (b) on the date actually received when sent by United
States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, and
addressed, in the case of notices to STERIS, as follows:

                 STERIS Corporation
                 5960 Heisley Road
                 Mentor, Ohio 44060
                 Attention:   Secretary

and, in the case of notices to Executive, properly addressed to Executive at
Executive's most recent home address as shown on the records of STERIS, or such
other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in
accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective
only upon receipt.

     6.3 Employment Rights. Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement shall
create any right or duty on the part of STERIS or Executive to have Executive
continue as an officer of STERIS or to remain in the employment of STERIS.

                                       7
<PAGE>

     6.4 Administration. STERIS shall be responsible for the general
administration of this Agreement and for making payments under this Agreement.
All fees and expenses billed by the Accounting Firm for services contemplated
under this Agreement shall be the responsibility of STERIS.

     6.5 Source of Payments. All payments under this Agreement shall be made
solely from the general assets of STERIS (or from a grantor trust, if any,
established by STERIS for purposes of making payments under this Agreement and
other similar agreements), and Executive shall have the rights of an unsecured
general creditor of STERIS with respect thereto.

     6.6 Validity. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this
Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision
of this Agreement which shall remain in full force and effect.

     6.7 Modification, Waiver, Etc. No provision of this Agreement may be
modified, waived, or discharged unless such waiver, modification, or discharge
is agreed to in a writing signed by Executive and STERIS. No waiver by either
party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party of, or compliance
with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other
party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions
at the same time or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreement or
representation, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the
subject matter hereof has been made by either party that is not set forth
expressly in this Agreement. This Agreement supercedes and replaces in its
entirety the Agreement, dated July 16, 1999, between STERIS and Executive (the
"Early Agreement") and such Early Agreement is hereby terminated and of no
further force or effect. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
enforceable by Executive's personal representatives, executors, administrators,
successors, heirs, and designees. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio.

7.   Definitions.

     7.1 Accounting Firm. The term "Accounting Firm" means the independent
auditors of STERIS for the Fiscal Year preceding the year in which the Change of
Control occurred and such firm's successor or successors; provided, however, if
such firm is unable or unwilling to serve and perform in the capacity
contemplated by this Agreement, STERIS shall select another national accounting
firm of recognized standing to serve and perform in that capacity under this
Agreement, except that such other accounting firm shall not be the then
independent auditors for STERIS or any of its affiliates (as defined in Rule
12b-2 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended).

     7.2 Base Salary. The term "Base Salary" means the salary payable to
Executive from time to time before any reduction for voluntary contributions to
any 401(k) plan or any other voluntary deferral. Base Salary does not include
imputed income from any payment by STERIS of any noncash benefits.

     7.3 Cause. The employment of Executive by STERIS or any of its Subsidiaries
shall have been terminated for "Cause" if the Executive's employment is
terminated and, prior to that termination of employment, any of the following
has occurred:

                                       8
<PAGE>

     (a) Executive shall have been convicted of a felony,

     (b) Executive commits an act or series of acts of dishonesty in the course
     of Executive's employment which are materially inimical to the best
     interests of STERIS, all as determined in good faith by the vote of three
     fourths of all of the members of the Board of Directors of STERIS (other
     than Executive, if Executive is a Director of STERIS).

     (c) after being notified in writing by the Board of Directors of STERIS of
     the failure and having been given at least 30 days in which to cure the
     failure, Executive continues to unreasonably neglect Executive's duties and
     responsibilities as an executive of STERIS,

     (d) after being notified in writing by the Board of Directors of STERIS to
     cease any particular Competitive Activity, Executive intentionally
     continues to engage in that Competitive Activity while Executive remains in
     the employ of STERIS.

     7.4 Change of Control. A "Change of Control" shall be deemed to have
     occurred if at any time or from time to time while this Agreement is in
     effect:

     (a) any person (other than STERIS, any of its Subsidiaries, any employee
     benefit plan or employee stock ownership plan of STERIS, or any person
     organized, appointed, or established by STERIS for or pursuant to the terms
     of any such plan), alone or together with any of its affiliates, becomes
     the beneficial owner of 15% or more (but less than 50%) of the Common
     Shares then outstanding;

     (b) Any person (other than STERIS, any of its Subsidiaries, any employee
     benefit plan or employee stock ownership plan of STERIS, or any person
     organized, appointed, or established by STERIS for or pursuant to the terms
     of any such plan), alone or together with any of its affiliates, becomes
     the beneficial owner of 50% or more of the Common Shares then outstanding;

     (c) Any person commences or publicly announces an intention to commence a
     tender offer or exchange offer the consummation of which would result in
     the person becoming the beneficial owner of 15% or more of the Common
     Shares then outstanding;

     (d) At any time during any period of 24 consecutive months, individuals who
     were directors at the beginning of the 24-month period no longer constitute
     a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of STERIS, unless the
     election, or the nomination for election by STERIS's shareholders, of each
     director who was not a director at the beginning of the period is approved
     by at least a majority of the directors who (i) are in office at the time
     of the election or nomination and (ii) were directors at the beginning of
     the period;

     (e) A record date is established for determining shareholders entitled to
     vote upon (i) a merger or consolidation of STERIS with another corporation
     in which those persons who are shareholders of STERIS immediately before
     the merger or consolidation are to

                                       9
<PAGE>

     receive or retain less than 60% of the stock of the surviving or continuing
     corporation, (ii) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all
     of the assets of STERIS, or (iii) the dissolution of STERIS;

     (f) (i) STERIS is merged or consolidated with another corporation and those
     persons who were shareholders of STERIS immediately before the merger or
     consolidation receive or retain less than 60% of the stock of the surviving
     or continuing corporation, (ii) there occurs a sale or other disposition of
     all or substantially all of the assets of STERIS, or (iii) STERIS is
     dissolved; or

     (g) Any person who proposes to make a "control share acquisition" of
     STERIS, within the meaning of Section 1701.01(Z) of the Ohio General
     Corporation Law, submits or is required to submit an acquiring person
     statement to STERIS.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if an event described in clause
(b), clause (d), or clause (f) above occurs, the occurrence of that event will
constitute an irrevocable Change of Control. Furthermore, notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, if an event described in clause (c) occurs, and
the Board of Directors either approves such offer or takes no action with
respect to such offer, then the occurrence of that event will constitute an
irrevocable Change of Control. On the other hand, notwithstanding anything
herein to the contrary, if an event described in clause (a), clause (e), or
clause (g) above occurs, or if an event described in clause (c) occurs and the
Board of Directors does not either approve such offer or take no action with
respect to such offer as described in the preceding sentence, and a majority of
those members of the Board of Directors who were Directors prior to such event
determine, within the 90-day period beginning on the date such event occurs,
that the event should not be treated as a Change of Control, then, from and
after the date that determination is made, that event will be treated as not
having occurred. If no such determination is made, a Change of Control resulting
from any of the events described in the immediately preceding sentence will
constitute an irrevocable Change of Control on the 91st day alter the occurrence
of the event.

     7.5 Competitive Activity. Executive shall be deemed to have engaged in
"Competitive Activity" if Executive engages, directly or indirectly and whether
as a director, officer, employee, agent, or independent contractor, in any
business or business activity in which STERIS or any of its Subsidiaries engages
(other than as a director, officer, or employee of STERIS or any of its
Subsidiaries).

     7.6 Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, Executive's employment will
have been terminated by STERIS by reason of "Disability" of Executive only if
(a) as a result of bodily injury or sickness, Executive has been unable to
perform Executive's normal duties for STERIS for a period of 180 consecutive
days, and (b) Executive begins to receive payments under a long term disability
plan sponsored by STERIS not later than 30 days after the Termination Date.

     7.7 Executive's Average Annual Incentive Compensation. Subject to the last
four sentences of this Subsection 7.7, the term "Executive's Average Annual
Incentive Compensation" means the highest of:

                                      10
<PAGE>

     (a) the average of the dollar amounts of incentive compensation paid or
     payable to Executive under the MICP for each of the two Fiscal Years most
     recently ended before the first Change of Control occurring after execution
     of this Agreement,

     (b) the average of the dollar amounts of incentive compensation paid or
     payable to Executive under the MICP for each of the two Fiscal Years most
     recently ended before the Termination Date, and

     (c) the average dollar amount obtained by adding together (i) the amount of
     incentive compensation paid or payable to Executive under the MICP for the
     Fiscal Year most recently ended before the Termination Date and (ii)
     Executive's Target Annual Incentive Compensation and dividing the sum so
     obtained by two.

If Executive was not a participant in the MICP for any one or more of the Fiscal
Years referred to in this Subsection 7.7, the reference to that year shall be
ignored in determining the average under clause (a), (b), and/or (c) above, as
the case may be, and the "average," if any, determined under that clause shall
be the dollar amount of incentive compensation paid or payable to Executive
under the MICP for the other Fiscal Year referred to in that clause (or, in the
case of clause (c), the dollar amount of Executive's Target Annual Incentive
Compensation). Thus, for example, if Executive was not a participant in the MICP
for the second year preceding a Change of Control but was a participant in the
MICP for the year immediately preceding a Change of Control, the average
determined under clause (a) would be equal to the amount of incentive
compensation paid or payable to Executive under the MICP for the single year
immediately preceding the Change of Control. If Executive was a participant in
the MICP for only a part of one or more Fiscal Years referred to in this
Subsection 7.7, the dollar amount of incentive compensation paid or payable to
Executive under the MICP for that year, for purposes of determining the averages
referred to in clauses (a), (b), and/or (c), as the case may be, shall be
annualized. Thus, for example, if Executive was a participant in the MICP for
only three months of a particular Fiscal Year and was paid incentive
compensation under the MICP for that period equal to $3X, the annualized amount
of $12X would be used in determining the averages referred to in clauses (a),
(b), and/or (c), as the case may be.

     7.8  Executive's Target Annual Incentive Compensation. The term
"Executive's Target Annual Incentive Compensation" means the higher of (a) the
dollar amount that would have been payable to Executive under the MICP or the
Fiscal Year in which the Termination Date occurs had all relevant levels of
performance (whether corporate, personal, or other) been exactly at target
levels and had Executive remained in the employ of STERIS through the date on
which incentive compensation for that Fiscal Year was paid in full, or (b) the
dollar amount that would have been payable to Executive under the MICP for the
last Fiscal Year that ended before the occurrence of a Change of Control had all
relevant levels of performance for that Fiscal Year been exactly at target
levels.

     7.9  Fiscal Year. The term "Fiscal Year" means STERIS's fiscal year as in
effect from time to time.

     7.10 Mandatory Relocation. A "Mandatory Relocation" shall have occurred if,
at any time after a Change of Control, Executive is notified that Executive's
principal place of employment for STERIS is to be relocated, without Executive's
written consent, more than 50

                                      11
<PAGE>

miles from where Executive's principal place of employment was located
immediately before the Change of Control.

     7.11 MICP. The term "MICP" means STERIS's Management Incentive Compensation
Plan as in effect for STERIS's 2000 Fiscal Year and any earlier or later year
and any similar plan in which Executive may have participated or that may be
implemented in place of the plan from time to time thereafter.

     7.12 Reduction of Compensation. A "Reduction of Compensation" shall have
occurred if either or both of the following occur at any time after a Change of
Control:

     (a)  Executive's Base Salary is reduced or

     (b)  either

          (i)  the MICP, and/or Executive's level of participation in the MICP,
          is altered for any year in such a way as to reduce Executive's
          opportunity to earn incentive compensation under the MICP for that
          year below the level of that opportunity as it existed immediately
          before the Change of Control, or

          (ii) the amount of incentive compensation paid to Executive for any
          period after the Change of Control is below Executive's Target Annual
          Incentive Compensation.

     7.13 Subsidiary. A "Subsidiary" means any corporation, partnership, or
other entity a majority of the voting control of which is directly or indirectly
owned or controlled at the time in question by STERIS.

     7.14 Termination Date. The term "Termination Date" means the date on which
Executive's employment with STERIS terminates.

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

                                           STERIS Corporation

                                           By  /s/ David C. Dvorak
                                             -----------------------------------
                                             Title:   Senior Vice President and
                                                      General Counsel

                                           "EXECUTIVE"

                                           /s/ Les C. Vinney
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           LES C. VINNEY

                                      12<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 10.20

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
                              --------------------

          THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), made and entered into by
and between BILL R. SANFORD, residing at 4745 Sherwin Road, Willoughby, Ohio
("Sanford" or "Employee") and STERIS CORPORATION, an Ohio corporation with its
principal place of business at 5960 Heisley Road, Mentor, Ohio  ("Steris" or the
"Company") on the 19th day of June, 2000;

                                  WITNESSETH:

          WHEREAS, Sanford has served the Company prior to March 21, 2000 (the
"Effective Date") in the capacity of Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer; and

          WHEREAS, Sanford's efforts over the last 13 years since he founded the
Company have contributed significantly to the success of the Company and
enhancement of shareholder value; and

          WHEREAS, Sanford and Steris want to document an employment and
succession plan for the orderly transition of management responsibilities to
effectuate Sanford's eventual separation from the Company in accordance with
previous discussions and mutual understandings; and

          WHEREAS, Steris is desirous of retaining Sanford in an appropriate
role, to further enhance shareholder value, based on his leadership abilities
and value to the Company; and

          WHEREAS, Sanford and Steris entered into an Employment Agreement on
March 21, 2000 to set forth their agreement concerning an orderly succession
plan; and

          WHEREAS, Sanford and Steris desire that this Agreement supercede the
Employment Agreement entered into on March 21, 2000 in order to provide for a
more accelerated succession plan.

          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants
contained in this Agreement, Sanford and Steris agree as follows:

          1.   Employment.  (a) From the Effective Date until the Changeover
               ----------
Date (as defined below) (the "Transition Period"), Sanford shall remain as
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company at the base
salary of $500,000 and eligible to participate in the Company's Senior Executive
Management Incentive Compensation Plan (the "SEMICP"). Sanford's participation
in the SEMICP shall be prorated based on the number of calendar months
<PAGE>

of fiscal year 2001 prior to and including the month of the Changeover Date (so
that a partial month will be treated as a full month), provided that Sanford
shall receive for such months a fixed amount of $67,500 per month with respect
to the SEMICP. The SEMICP participation shall be calculated and paid as provided
in the SEMICP payable July 15, 2000, with respect to the second calendar
quarter, and August 15, 2000, with respect to the month of July. As Chairman of
the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Sanford shall do and
perform such reasonable executive and managerial responsibilities and duties as
may be assigned to him heretofore and hereafter from time to time by the Board
of Directors of the Company.

          (b) On the date of the year 2000 annual meeting of the shareholders of
Steris, (the "Changeover Date"), the Board of Directors shall elect a new
Chairman of the Board and new Chief Executive Officer.  Sanford will continue as
an employee serving as Executive Founder and Special Executive Advisor to the
Company ("Executive Founder") reporting to the Board of Directors of the
Company.  The duration of Sanford's employment as Executive Founder shall
commence on the Changeover Date and terminate on the expiration of five (5)
years thereafter unless earlier terminated pursuant to Section 15 of this
Agreement ("Post-CEO Employment Period").  Sanford shall perform such duties as
Executive Founder as may from time to time be assigned by the Board of Directors
relating to specific studies, exploration of strategic alternatives, and/or
similar projects which do not unreasonably conflict with any other employment
responsibilities of Sanford.  While an Executive Founder, the parties recognize
that Sanford may have full-time employment elsewhere.  During the Post-CEO
Employment Period when Sanford serves as Executive Founder, his salary will be
$50,000 per year or, after such time as Sanford accepts full-time employment
elsewhere, $12,000 per year.  On the Changeover Date, the Company shall pay to
Sanford the amount of $3,300,000; which amount shall be paid to the estate of
Sanford in the event of his death prior to the Changeover Date.  All amounts
payable under this Agreement shall be subject to applicable tax and other
withholding and reporting as required by law.

          (c) Sanford has resigned, effective on the Effective Date, his
position as President of the Company.  In addition, Sanford has resigned,
effective the Changeover Date, his positions as Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer.  Sanford has resigned, effective immediately, (i) from all
other offices of the Company to which he has been elected by the Board of
Directors of the Company (or to which he has otherwise been appointed), (ii)
from all offices of any entity that is a subsidiary of, or is otherwise related
to or affiliated with, the Company, (iii) from all administrative, fiduciary or
other positions he may hold with respect to arrangements or plans for, of or
relating to the Company or any subsidiary or other affiliate of the Company, and
(iv) from any other directorship, office, trustee or other position of any
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (each, an
"Other Entity") insofar as Sanford is serving in the directorship, office,
trustee or other position of the Other Entity at the request of the Company;
provided, however, that if such resignation results in noncompliance with any
statute, rule or regulation applicable to any entity, subsidiary, other
affiliate of the Company or Other Entity, such resignation shall be effective at
such time as the resignation would be in compliance with any such statute, rule
or regulation.  Sanford will not (i) seek re-election as a Director of the
Company at the year 2000 annual meeting of shareholders or (ii) accept a
nomination for election as a Director of the Company at any annual or special
meeting of shareholders after the date hereof.  The Company hereby consents to
and accepts such resignations.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>

          2.   Put Option.  During the period commencing on the first
               ----------
anniversary of the Changeover Date and ending on February 28, 2002, the Company
agrees that, upon the request of Sanford, it will repurchase up to 600,000
Common Shares of the Company which Sanford owns as of the date of this Agreement
for a price per share equal to $15.00 ("Stock Purchase Payment"), adjusted as
appropriate to reflect any stock splits, stock or extraordinary dividends,
recapitalizations or other similar changes in the Company's capital structure
between the Effective Date and the closing of the repurchase.  The Company
agrees that Sanford may transfer this Put Option, in whole or in part, to any
transferee of his Common Shares, provided such transferee is Sanford's spouse,
lineal descendant, a trust or other entity whose beneficiaries are Sanford, his
spouse or lineal descendants or any combination thereof and such transfer is in
compliance with applicable federal or state securities laws.

          3.   Loan Repayment.  As of the date hereof, Sanford has an
               --------------
outstanding promissory note payable to the Company (the "Promissory Note")
bearing interest at 5.7% per annum, payable on February 28, 2002.  In the event
that Sanford fully observes, performs and discharges all of his obligations
under this Agreement (except to the extent his earlier death or disability
precludes his performance of services hereunder), the Company will forgive the
Note on February 28, 2002; provided, however, that prior to forgiveness of such
Note Sanford, or his estate, provides the Company with funds in an amount
sufficient for the Company to satisfy any applicable tax requirements.

          4.   Stock Options.  All of Sanford's stock options which are listed
               -------------
on Exhibit A hereto shall remain outstanding to the extent of their original
term during the Transition Period and Post-CEO Employment Period, all in
accordance with the terms of the Amended Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, 1994
Equity Compensation Plan or the 1997 Stock Option Plan (the "Option Plans"), and
the applicable notice of grant or other option agreement. The Company confirms
that the Option Plans (or applicable notice of grant or other option agreement)
provided that all unvested options granted under Option Plans shall vest on the
occurrence of a Change in Control, as defined in the 1994 and 1997 Stock Option
Plans or in the case of the option agreement dated July 23, 1997 upon the
occurrence of similar corporate transactions described therein.

          5.   Continuation of Health Insurance and Other Employment Benefits.
               --------------------------------------------------------------
During the Transition Period and the Post-CEO Employment Period until Sanford
accepts full-time employment elsewhere, (a) Sanford will be entitled to continue
to participate in Steris' insurance, retirement and other employment benefits
programs to the same extent as he participates prior to the date of this
Agreement and (b) in the event Sanford requires an office outside Steris, Steris
shall pay the cost of maintaining such office, but not an amount in excess of
$2,000 per month.

          6.   Other Benefits.  Upon the Changeover Date, or as soon as
               --------------
practicable thereafter, the Company agrees, at no cost to Sanford, to transfer
to Sanford all of its rights in: the Company's rights to the key-man universal
insurance policy on Sanford's life.  Sanford agrees to be liable for costs of
such insurance policy, to the extent not previously paid by the Company. In
addition, for a period of three (3) years after the Changeover Date, Sanford
shall be entitled to have the Company continue to pay all membership dues at two
clubs.  For a period of one (1)

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

year after the Changeover Date, the Company shall provide Sanford with tax
preparation assistance and trust and estate planning assistance, but not an
amount in excess of $10,000 in the aggregate.

          7.   Attorneys' Fees.  On or about the Effective Date, Steris shall
               ---------------
pay Sanford's counsel fees for legal services provided to Sanford in connection
with the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement and the prior Employment
Agreement, but not an amount in excess of $25,000.

          8.   Approval of Announcements/Disclosures.  All announcements
               -------------------------------------
promulgated by Steris, both internal and external, concerning Sanford shall be
reviewed and approved by Sanford prior to distribution and/or dissemination.
Except as required by applicable law, no press releases of any nature regarding
this Agreement shall be made by any party to this Agreement without approval of
the other party.

          9.   Personal Effects.  After the execution and delivery of this
               ----------------
Agreement and prior to the Changeover Date, at no cost to Sanford, Sanford shall
be entitled to his office furniture and furnishings including, but not limited
to, his computers, printers, fax machines, portable phone, awards and other
personal possessions.  Except as may be restricted and subject to Section 12 of
this Agreement, Steris shall transfer to Sanford all software currently
installed on such office computer.

          10.  Competition.  (a)  During the Transition Period and the Post-CEO
               -----------
Employment Period, Sanford shall not, directly or indirectly, do or suffer to be
done any of the following: own, manage, control or participate in the ownership,
management, or control of, or be employed or engaged by or otherwise affiliated
or associated as a consultant, independent contractor or otherwise with any
other corporation, partnership, proprietorship, firm, association, or other
business entity, or otherwise engage in any business, which is in competition
with the Company's business; provided, however, that the ownership of not more
                             --------  ------
than two percent of any class of securities of any entity shall not be deemed a
violation of this Agreement.  Sanford's continued service in the positions which
he currently holds with the approval of the Steris Board of Directors, which are
listed on Exhibit B to this Agreement, or on similar boards of directors or
trustees of institutional investors or nonprofit organizations, shall not be
deemed a violation of this Section 10; provided Sanford is not directly involved
in the management of any competitor. For purposes of this Agreement, the
"Company's business" shall mean any business in which the Company actively
engages now, and any business in which the Company has actively engaged in the
two (2) year period prior to the date hereof, including, without limitation,
providing infection prevention, contamination prevention, microbial reduction
and therapy support systems, products, services and technologies to health care,
scientific, research, food and industrial customers throughout the world.

          (b) In the event Sanford shall violate any provision of this Section
10 as to which there is a specific time period during which he is prohibited
from taking certain actions or from engaging in certain activities as set forth
in such provision, then, in such event, such violation shall toll the running of
such time period from the date of such violation until such violation shall
cease.  The foregoing shall in no way limit the Company's rights under Section
15 of this Agreement.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>

          (c) Sanford has carefully considered the nature and extent of the
restrictions upon him and the rights and remedies conferred upon the Company
under this Section 10 and this Agreement, and hereby acknowledges and agrees
that the same are reasonable in time and territory, are designed to eliminate
competition which otherwise would be unfair to the Company, do not stifle the
inherent skill and experience of Sanford, would not operate as a bar to
Sanford's sole means of support, are fully required to protect the legitimate
interests of the Company and do not confer a benefit upon the Company
disproportionate to the detriment to Sanford.  Sanford further acknowledges that
his obligations in this Section 10 are made in consideration of, and are
adequately supported by the payments by the Company to Sanford described in this
Agreement.

          11.  No Solicitation of Employees.  Sanford agrees that he will not:
               ----------------------------

          (a)  Employ, assist in employing, or otherwise associate in business
     with any person who is, or has been in the 12 month period prior to such
     individual's association with Sanford an employee, officer or agent of the
     Company, or any of its affiliated, related or subsidiary entities, unless
     such employee was involuntarily terminated by the Company or such employee
     contacts Sanford after voluntarily terminating his employment in
     circumstances which do not violate (b) of this Section 11.

          (b)  Induce any person who is an employee, officer or agent of the
     Company, or any of its affiliated, related, or subsidiary entities to
     terminate such relationship.

          12.  Confidential Information.
               ------------------------

          (a) Sanford acknowledges and agrees that in the performance of his
duties as an officer and employee of the Company he was brought into frequent
contact with, had or may have had access to, and/or became informed of
confidential and proprietary information of the Company and/or information which
is a competitive asset of the Company (collectively, "Confidential Information")
and the disclosure of which would be harmful to the interests of the Company or
its subsidiaries.  Confidential Information shall include, without limitation:
(a) customer and distributor information such as names, addresses, sales
histories, purchasing habits, credit status, pricing levels, etc., (b) certain
prospective customer and distributor information lists, etc., (c) product and
systems specifications, schematics, designs, concepts for new or improved
products and services and other products and services data, (d) product and
material costs, (e) suppliers' and prospective suppliers' names, addresses and
contracts, (f) future corporate planning data, (g) production methods and
equipment, (h) marketing strategies, (i) the Company's financial results and
business condition, and (j) any other information which constitutes a "trade
secret" under federal or state law.  Such Confidential Information is more fully
described in Subsection (b) of this Section 12. Sanford acknowledges that the
Confidential Information of the Company gained by Sanford during his association
with the Company was developed by and/or for the Company through substantial
expenditure of time, effort and money and constitutes valuable and unique
property of the Company.

          (b) Sanford will keep in strict confidence, and will not, directly or
indirectly, at any time, disclose, furnish, disseminate, make available, use or
suffer to be used in any manner any Confidential Information of the Company
without limitation as to when or how Sanford may

                                      -5-
<PAGE>

have acquired such Confidential Information. Sanford specifically acknowledges
that Confidential Information includes any and all information, whether reduced
to writing (or in a form from which information can be obtained, translated, or
derived into reasonably usable form), or maintained in the mind or memory of
Sanford and whether compiled or created by the Company, which derives
independent economic value from not being readily known to or ascertainable by
proper means by others who can obtain economic value from the disclosure or use
of such information, that reasonable efforts have been put forth by the Company
to maintain the secrecy of confidential or proprietary or trade secret
information, that such information is and will remain the sole property of the
Company, and that any retention or use by Sanford of confidential or proprietary
or trade secret information after the termination of Sanford's employment with
and services for the Company shall constitute a misappropriation of the
Company's Confidential Information.

          (c) Upon expiration of the Post-CEO Employment Period, Sanford will
immediately return to the Company (to the extent he has not already returned),
equipment, software, electronic files and all other property of the Company,
including, without limitation, property, documents and/or all other materials
(including copies, reproductions, summaries and/or analyses) which constitute,
refer or relate to Confidential Information of the Company.

          (d) Sanford further acknowledges that his obligation of
confidentiality shall survive, regardless of any other breach of this Agreement
or any other agreement, by any party to this Agreement, until and unless such
Confidential Information of the Company shall have become, through no fault of
Sanford generally known to the public or Sanford is required by law (after
providing the Company with notice and opportunity to contest such requirement)
to make disclosure.  Sanford's obligations under this Section 12 are in addition
to, and not in limitation or preemption of, all other obligations of
confidentiality which Sanford may have to the Company under general legal or
equitable principles or statutes.

          13.  Disclosure; Trading Restrictions.
               --------------------------------

          (a) From the date of this Agreement through the end of the Post-CEO
Employment Period, Sanford will communicate his role as Executive Founder and
the contents of Sections 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of this Agreement to any person,
firm, association, or corporation other than the Company, which he intends to be
employed by, associated in business with, or represent.

          (b) Sanford shall take no action with respect to the Company's common
shares that is in violation of the Company's policies with respect to trading in
common shares, it being understood that exercise of the put option under Section
2 shall not be deemed in violation of these policies.  The Company will not
prevent Sanford from making any sale of the Company's common shares or from
exercising any options for the Company's common shares on a cashless basis
during any part of any open window period.

          14.  Certain Activities.  During the Transition Period and the Post-
               ------------------
CEO Employment Period, Sanford shall not, and shall cause his affiliates not to,
except within the terms of a specific written consent of the Chairman of the
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, propose, discuss or have any
communication with any other person, directly or

                                      -6-
<PAGE>

indirectly, relating in any way to (i) any form of business combination,
acquisition or other transaction relating to the Company or any affiliate of the
Company and any other party or any affiliate of any other party, (ii) any form
of restructuring, recapitalization or similar transaction with respect to the
Company or any affiliate of the Company, or (iii) any demand, request or
proposal to (1) acquire, or offer, propose or agree to acquire, by purchase or
otherwise, any shares of common stock of the Company ("Voting Securities"), (2)
make, or in any way participate in, any solicitation of proxies with respect to
any such Voting Securities of the Company (including, without limitation, by the
execution of action by written consent), become a participant in any election
contest with respect to the Company or seek to influence any person with respect
to any such Voting Securities, (3) participate in or encourage the formation of
any partnership, syndicate or other group which owns or seeks or offers to
acquire beneficial ownership of any such Voting Securities or which seeks to
affect control of the Company or any affiliate of the Company or has the purpose
of circumventing any provision of this Agreement.

          15.  Breach.
               ------

          (a) If Sanford breaches any of the provisions of this Agreement in any
material respect, then the Company may, at its sole option, following reasonable
notice to Sanford and opportunity to cure, terminate all remaining payments and
benefits described in this Agreement and obtain reimbursement from Sanford of
all payments and benefits already provided pursuant to Sections 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6
of this Agreement, plus any expenses and damages incurred as a result of the
breach (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees), with the
remainder of this Agreement, and all promises and covenants in this Agreement,
remaining in full force and effect.

          (i)  The Company will not terminate pursuant to (a) of this Section 15
     any benefits in which Sanford had vested as of the end of the Transition
     Period under the Company's 401(k) Savings Plan.  Sanford's COBRA rights, if
     any, will not be reduced by any action taken by the Company under (a) of
     this Section 15.

          (ii)  Sanford may challenge any Company action under (a) of this
     Section 15.

          (b) Sanford acknowledges and agrees that the remedy at law available
to the Company for breach by Sanford of any of his obligations under Sections
10, 11, 12 and 14 of this Agreement would be inadequate and that damages flowing
from such a breach would not readily be susceptible to being measured in
monetary terms.  Accordingly, Sanford acknowledges, consents and agrees that, in
addition to any other rights or remedies which the Company may have at law, in
equity or under this Agreement, upon adequate proof of Sanford's violation of
any provision of Sections, 10, 11, 12 and 14 of this Agreement, the Company
shall be entitled to immediate injunctive relief and may obtain a temporary
order restraining any threatened or further breach, without the necessity of
proof of actual damage.

          (c) If the Company breaches any of the provisions of this Agreement in
any material respect, then Sanford may, following reasonable notice to the
Company and opportunity to cure, exercise all rights and remedies which Sanford
may have and the Company shall reimburse Sanford for any costs and expenses
(including, without limitation, attorneys' fees) reasonably incurred in
connection therewith.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>

          16.  Release by Sanford.
               ------------------

          a.   Sanford for himself and his dependents, successors, assigns,
heirs, executors and administrators (and his and their legal representatives of
every kind), hereby releases, dismisses, remises and forever discharges the
Company from any and all arbitrations,, claims (including, without limitations,
claims for attorney's fees), demands, damages, suits, proceedings, actions
and/or causes of action of any kind and every description, whether known or
unknown, which Sanford now has or may have had for, upon, or by reason of any
cause whatsoever (except that this release shall not apply to the obligations of
the Company arising under this Agreement), against the Company ("claims"),
including but not limited to:

          (i)  any and all claims, directly or indirectly, arising out of or
     relating to:
     (A) Sanford's past employment or service with the Company; and (B)
     Sanford's resignation as President and any other position described in
     Section 1(e) of this Agreement.

          (ii)  any and all claims of discrimination, including but not limited
     to, claims of discrimination on the basis of sex, race, age, national
     origin, marital status, religion or disability, including, specifically,
     but without limiting the generality of the  foregoing, any claims under the
     Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended (the "ADEA").  Title VII
     of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Americans with
     Disabilities Act of 1990, the Family and Medical leave Act of 1993 and Ohio
     Revised Code Chapter 4112;

          (iii)  any and all claims of wrongful or unjust discharge or breach of
     any contract or promise, express or implied; and

          (iv)  any and all claims under or relating to any and all employee
     compensation, employee benefit, employee severance or employee incentive
     bonus plans and arrangements, including with limitation, the STERIS
     Corporation Health Care Plan, 401(k) Plan, STERIS Corporation 1997 Stock
     Option Plan, STERIS Corporation 1994 Equity Compensation Plan, STERIS
     Corporation Amended and Restated Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan and STERIS
     Corporation Amended Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, all of which Sanford
     agrees are forfeited upon his resignation other than his rights which are
     set forth in this Agreement, his right to his account balances under the
     401(k) Plan and his right to receive payment under the SEMICP with respect
     to the year ending March 31, 2000; provided that he shall remain entitled
     to the amounts and benefits specified in Sections 4, 5 and 6 above.
     Sanford agrees that he intends to release any and all worker compensation
     claims he may have against the Company by this Agreement, and further
     agrees to execute any documentation as may be reasonably required to
     perfect such release when presented to him by the Company.

          b.   Sanford understands and acknowledges that the Company does not
admit any violation of law, liability or invasion of any of his rights and that
any such violation, liability or invasion is expressly denied.  The
consideration provided under this Agreement is made for the purpose of settling
and extinguishing all claims and rights (and every other similar or dissimilar
matter) that Sanford ever had or now may have or ever will have against the
Company

                                      -8-
<PAGE>

to the extent provided in this Section 16. Sanford further agrees and
acknowledges that no representations, promises or inducements have been made by
the Company other than as appear in this Agreement.

          c.   Sanford further understands and acknowledges that:

          (i)  The release provided for in this Section 16, including, without
     limitation, claims under the ADEA to and including the date of this
     Agreement, is in exchange for the additional consideration provided for in
     this Agreement, to which consideration he was not heretofore entitled; and

          (ii)  He has been advised by the Company to consult with legal counsel
     prior to executing this Agreement and the release provided for in this
     Section 16, has had an opportunity to consult with and to be advised by
     legal counsel of his choice, fully understands the terms of this Agreement,
     and enters into this Agreement freely, voluntarily and intending to be
     bound.

          d.  Sanford will not file a lawsuit or other complaint asserting any
     claim that is released in this Section 16.

          e.  Sanford and the Company acknowledge that the terms and conditions
     of this Agreement are made and are mutually agreed to by the Company and
     Sanford, and that Sanford waives and releases any claim that he has or may
     have to reemployment.

          f.  For purposes of the above provisions of this Section 16, the
     "Company" shall include its predecessors, subsidiaries, divisions, related
     or affiliated companies, officers, directors, stockholders, members,
     employees, heirs, successors, assigns, representatives, agents and counsel.

          17.  Release by the Company.
               ----------------------

          The Company, for itself and its successors and assigns, hereby
releases, dismisses, remises and forever discharges the Executive and his
dependents, successors, assigns, heirs, executors and administrators (and his
and their legal representatives of every kind) (collectively, the "Executive
Releasees") from any and all arbitrations, claims (including, without
limitation, claims for attorneys' fees), demands, damages, suits, proceedings,
actions and/or causes of action of any kind and every description, whether known
or unknown, which it now has or may hereafter have against the Executive
Releasees, on account of any matter which relates in any way, directly or
indirectly, to the past, present of future business or affairs of the Company,
whether known or unknown, relating to or arising out of the Executive's service
as an officer or employee with the Company.

          18.  Continued Availability and Cooperation.
               --------------------------------------

          (a) Sanford shall cooperate fully with the Company and with the
Company's counsel in connection with any present and future actual or threatened
litigation or administrative proceeding involving the Company that relates to
events, occurrences or conduct occurring (or

                                      -9-
<PAGE>

claimed to have occurred) during the period of Sanford's employment by the
Company. This cooperation by Sanford shall include, but not be limited to:

          (i)  making himself reasonably available for interviews and
     discussions with the Company's counsel as well as for depositions and trial
     testimony;

          (ii)  if depositions or trial testimony are to occur, making himself
     reasonably available and cooperating in the preparation therefor as and to
     the extent that the Company or the Company's counsel reasonably requests;

          (iii)  refraining from impeding in any way the Company's prosecution
     or defense of such litigation or administrative proceeding; and

          (iv)  cooperating fully in the development and presentation of the
     Company's prosecution or defense of such litigation or administrative
     proceeding.

          (b) Sanford shall be reimbursed by the Company for reasonable travel,
lodging, telephone and similar expenses incurred in connection with such
cooperation, which the Company shall reasonably endeavor to schedule at times
not conflicting with the reasonable requirements of any employer of Sanford, or
with the requirements of any third party with whom Sanford has a business
relationship permitted hereunder that provides remuneration to Sanford. Sanford
shall not unreasonably withhold his availability for such cooperation.

          (c) Upon the Changeover Date, Sanford will update the Company as to
the status of all pending matters for which he was responsible or otherwise
involved.

          19.  Mutual Nondisclosure of Agreement.  Sanford and his heirs,
               ---------------------------------
executors, successors, assigns, representatives, and attorneys and the Company,
its officers, directors, employees, attorneys and advisors shall hold the terms
of this Agreement in strict confidence and shall not communicate, reveal, or
disclose the terms of this Agreement to any other persons except as required by
law or regulation and to Sanford's immediate family, to legal counsel, to tax
consultants, and to the Corporate Controller and the Human Resources Directors,
all of whom shall be instructed by Sanford and/or the Company similarly to hold
the terms of this Agreement in the strictest confidence, and as otherwise
required by law.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties acknowledge that
this Agreement will be required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

          20.  Warranties and Representations.
               ------------------------------

               (a)  Steris represents and warrants that the Board of Directors
     of Steris has authorized the person whose signature appears below to
     execute this Agreement to bind the Company to all provisions contained in
     this Agreement.

               (b)  Steris warrants and represents to Sanford that he continues
     to be insured by Steris' officers and directors liability insurance policy
     ("D&O Policy") for any current and/or future claims brought for any act
     which occurred or may occur while he was or is an officer, director or
     Special Advisor of Steris; and that

                                      -10-
<PAGE>

     he continues to be indemnified, pursuant to the regulations, bylaws and
     resolutions of the Corporation for any claims against him arising out of
     his duties as Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
     and as Special Advisor.

          21.  Non-Disparagement.  Neither party shall make any statements,
               -----------------
written or oral, to any third party which disparages, criticizes, discredits or
otherwise operates to the detriment of Sanford or the Company, its officers,
directors and employees and their respective business reputation and/or
goodwill, except as required by law or regulation.

          22.  Invalidity.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any one (1)
               ----------
provision or part of this Agreement shall not render any other provision(s) or
part(s) of this Agreement invalid or unenforceable and that such other
provision(s) or part(s) shall remain in full force and effect.

          23.  Entire Agreement.  This Agreement contains the entire agreement
               ----------------
between the parties to this Agreement, and there are no understandings between
the parties other than those specifically and expressly set forth in this
Agreement.  Upon the Effective Date of this Agreement, this Agreement replaces
and supersedes any prior employment agreements between Steris and Sanford
(including, without limitation, the Employment Agreement, dated as of March 21,
2000, between Sanford and STERIS), except that the Agreement, dated July 23,
1998, between the Company and Sanford shall continue until the Changeover Date
and then shall terminate and be of no further force or effect.  Sanford agrees,
recognizes and acknowledges that any employment agreement is made null and void
by reason of this Agreement.  This Agreement shall not be amended or modified in
any manner except upon written agreement by the parties. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Promissory Note shall remain in full force and effect until paid
or forgiven as provided in Section 3 of this Agreement, and each Stock Option
Award granted under the Option Plans between the parties shall remain in full
force and effect throughout the Transition Period and Post-CEO Employment
Period.

          24.  Originals.  Four (4) copies of this Agreement shall be executed
               ---------
as "originals" so that both Sanford and Steris and their counsel may possess an
"original" fully-executed document.  The parties to this Agreement expressly
agree and recognize that each fully-executed "original" shall be binding and
enforceable as an original document representing the agreements in this
Agreement.

          25.  Governing Laws.  This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted
               --------------
pursuant to the laws of the State of Ohio.

          26.  Successors to the Company.  Except as otherwise provided in this
               -------------------------
Agreement, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
Company and any successor of the Company, including, without limitation, any
corporation which acquires directly or indirectly all or substantially all of
the assets of the Company whether by merger, consolidation, sale or otherwise
(and such successor shall thereafter be deemed the "Company" for the purposes of
this Agreement), but shall not otherwise be assignable by the Company.

                                      -11-
<PAGE>

          27.  Arbitration.  In order to resolve any dispute which may arise out
               -----------
of or be related to this Agreement, Sanford shall have the right, in addition to
all other rights and remedies provided by law, at his election, to seek
arbitration in Cleveland, Ohio, under the rules of the American Arbitration
Association, as to claims pursued by him, by serving a notice to arbitrate upon
the Company.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties shall have the same
rights of discovery under the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure as if the dispute
had been filed as an original action in an Ohio court of original jurisdiction.

                [REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY BLANK]

                                      -12-
<PAGE>

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Sanford and Steris have executed this Agreement
effective and binding as of the Effective Date of this Agreement.

                              /s/ Bill R. Sanford
                              -------------------
                              Bill R. Sanford

                              Dated: June 19, 2000

                              STERIS CORPORATION

                              By: /s/ David C. Dvorak
                              -----------------------
                              Title: Senior Vice President, General Counsel,
                                     and Secretary

                              Dated: June 19, 2000

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00011-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00011-of-00352.parquet"}]]