Document:

Executive Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition and Confidentiality Agreement

 Exhibit 10.26 
 EXECUTIVE NON-SOLICITATION, NON-COMPETITION 
 AND CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

 THIS AGREEMENT dated as of October 26, 2009 by and between Gentiva Health Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(“Gentiva”), and Eric R. Slusser (“Employee”). 
 W I T N E S S E T H: 

WHEREAS, Employee acknowledges that Gentiva is engaged in the highly competitive business of providing home healthcare services and that
Employee has job responsibilities covering the areas in and around the locations listed in Attachment 1 to this Agreement. Gentiva’s engagement in this business has involved and continues to involve the expenditure of substantial amounts of
money and the use of skills developed over a long period of time. As a result of these investments of money, skill and time, Gentiva has developed and will continue to develop certain valuable Trade Secrets and Confidential Information that are
peculiar to Gentiva’s business and the disclosure of which would cause Gentiva great and irreparable harm. Gentiva has also invested a great deal of time and money in developing relationships with its employees, patients and referral sources;

 WHEREAS, Employee acknowledges that in rendering services to Gentiva, Employee will be exposed to and learn much information
about Gentiva’s business, including valuable Confidential Information and Trade Secrets, which Employee would not have access to if not for Employee’s employment with Gentiva and which it would be unfair to disclose to others, or to use to
Gentiva’s disadvantage; 
 WHEREAS, Employee acknowledges that the restrictions contained in this Agreement are necessary
and reasonable to protect Gentiva’s legitimate business interests in its Trade Secrets, valuable Confidential Information, relationships with its employees and relationships and goodwill with its patients and referral sources; and 

WHEREAS, Employee acknowledges that Employee’s skills, education and training qualify Employee to work and obtain employment which
does not violate this Agreement and that the restrictions in this Agreement have been crafted as narrowly as reasonably possible to protect Gentiva’s legitimate business interests in its Trade Secrets, valuable Confidential Information,
relationships with its employees and relationships and good will with its patients and referral sources. 

 NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and obligations in this Agreement,
including but not limited to, Gentiva’s employing or continuing to employ Employee as an at-will employee, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby mutually acknowledged, Gentiva and Employee
agree as follows: 
  

	1.	Non-Solicitation of Patients and Referral Sources 

 Employee agrees that during Employee’s employment with Gentiva and for a period of one (1) year after termination of Employee’s employment with Gentiva for any reason, except on behalf of
Gentiva, Employee will not directly or indirectly solicit, contact, call upon, communicate with or attempt to communicate with any patient or referral source of Gentiva for the purpose of providing home healthcare services. This restriction shall
apply only to any patient or referral source of Gentiva with whom Employee had Material Contact during the last twelve months of Employee’s employment with Gentiva. “Material Contact” for purposes of this Section 1 means contact
between Employee and the patient for the purpose of furthering the patient’s healthcare or contact between Employee and the referral source for the purpose of furthering the referral relationship. 

 

	2.	Non-Solicitation of Employees 

 Employee agrees that during Employee’s employment with Gentiva and for a period of one (1) year after termination of Employee’s employment with Gentiva for any reason, Employee will not
recruit, hire or attempt to recruit or hire, directly or by assisting others, any other employee of Gentiva with whom Employee had Material Contact during Employee’s employment with Gentiva. “Material Contact” for the purposes of this
Section 2 means contact between Employee and the other employee of Gentiva for the purpose of furthering Gentiva’s business. 
  

	3.	Non-Competition 

Employee agrees that during Employee’s employment with Gentiva and for a period of one (1) year after termination of
Employee’s employment with Gentiva for any reason, except on behalf of Gentiva, Employee shall not, on Employee’s own behalf or on another’s behalf, (i) work in a financial or management capacity in the business of providing home
healthcare services or (ii) own, operate, control or provide services or financial assistance to any business providing home healthcare services, except that Employee may own for investment purposes only up to 1% of the capital stock of any
such business whose stock is publicly traded. These restrictions shall apply only within a 25 mile radius of Employee’s primary place of employment with Gentiva located at 3350 Riverwood Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia and a 15 mile radius of each
Gentiva location listed in Attachment 1 to this Agreement. Employee agrees that because of the nature of Gentiva’s business, the nature of Employee’s job responsibilities, and the nature of the

  
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Confidential Information and Trade Secrets of Gentiva to which Gentiva will give Employee access, any breach of this provision by Employee would result in the inevitable disclosure of
Gentiva’s Trade Secrets and Confidential Information to its direct competitors. 
  

	4.	Confidentiality 

 A.    During Employee’s employment with Gentiva and at any time after the termination of Employee’s employment with Gentiva for any reason, Employee will not publish or
disclose, use for Employee’s own benefit or the benefit of others, or divulge or convey to others, any Trade Secrets of Gentiva or that of third parties obtained by Employee in the course of Employee’s employment with Gentiva. “Trade
Secret” means any and all information, knowledge or data in any form whatsoever, tangible or intangible, that is considered a trade secret under applicable law. This promise of confidentiality is in addition to, and does not limit, any common
law or statutory rights of Gentiva to prevent disclosure of its Trade Secrets. 

B.    Employee further agrees that during Employee’s employment with Gentiva and for three
(3) years after the termination of Employee’s employment with Gentiva for any reason, Employee will not publish or disclose, use for Employee’s own benefit or the benefit of others, or divulge or convey to others, any Confidential
Information of Gentiva. “Confidential Information” means any and all proprietary business, financial and patient information in any form, tangible or intangible, that is treated as confidential or secret by Gentiva, but does not constitute
a Trade Secret. This promise of confidentiality is in addition to, and does not limit, any common law or statutory rights of Gentiva to prevent disclosure of Confidential Information. 

Upon termination of Employee’s employment with Gentiva or at any other time at Gentiva’s request, Employee agrees to deliver
promptly to Gentiva all Gentiva property, including, but not limited to, patient lists or names, addresses and services, patient background information, patient files, patient care directives, all drawings, blueprints, manuals, letters, notes,
notebooks, reports, sketches, formulae, manufacturing processes, source codes, computer programs, financial information and similar items, memoranda, referral sources, patients or business lists and all other materials and all copies thereof
relating in any way to Gentiva’s business or patients and in any way obtained by Employee during the period of Employee’s employment with Gentiva which are in Employee’s possession, custody or control. Employee further agrees not to
make or retain any copies of any of the foregoing and will so represent to Gentiva upon termination of Employee’s employment. 
  

	5.	Proprietary Information and Inventions 

 A.    Employee agrees that any and all information and data originated by Employee while employed by Gentiva and, where applicable, by other

  
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employees or associates under Employee’s direction or supervision in connection with or as a result of Employee’s employment, shall be promptly disclosed to Gentiva, shall become
Gentiva’s property, and shall be kept confidential by Employee. Any and all such information and data, reduced to written, graphic, or other tangible form and any and all copies and reproductions thereof shall be furnished to Gentiva upon
request and in any case shall be returned to Gentiva upon termination of Employee’s employment with Gentiva. 
 B.    Employee agrees that Employee will promptly disclose to Gentiva all inventions or discoveries made, conceived, or for the first time reduced to practice in connection with or as
a result of the work and/or services Employee performs for Gentiva. 
 C.    Employee agrees
that Employee will assign the entire right, title, and interest in any such invention or inventions and any patents that may be granted thereon in any country in the world concerning such inventions to Gentiva. Employee further agrees that Employee
will, without expense to Gentiva, execute all documents and do all acts which may be necessary, desirable, or convenient to enable Gentiva, at its expense, to file and prosecute applications for patents on such inventions, and to maintain patents
granted thereon. 
  

	6.	Non-Disparagement 

Employee agrees that during Employee’s employment with Gentiva and for a period of three (3) years following the termination of
Employee’s employment with Gentiva, Employee will not take any action or make any statement which disparages Gentiva or its practices or which disrupts or impairs its normal operations. Nothing in this provision shall limit any common law or
statutory rights of Gentiva or obligations of Employee. 
  

	7.	Equitable Relief 

Employee acknowledges that the services to be rendered by Employee are of a special and intellectual character, which gives them a
peculiar value, that Employee possesses unique skills, knowledge and ability, and that any breach of the provisions of this Agreement would cause Gentiva irreparable injury which would not reasonably or adequately be compensated by damages in an
action at law. Therefore, Employee agrees that Gentiva shall be entitled, in addition to any other remedies it may have under this Agreement, at law, or otherwise, to immediate injunctive and other equitable relief to prevent or curtail any breach
of this Agreement by Employee. In addition, in the event of a breach of this Agreement by Employee, Employee agrees and acknowledges that Employee will forfeit all options to purchase stock granted to Employee, vested or unvested and/or the proceeds
from the sale of stock obtained from options granted to Employee during the term of Employee’s employment with Gentiva. Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit Gentiva from seeking or recovering any legal or monetary damages to which it may be
entitled if Employee breaches this 

  
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Agreement. Employee agrees to pay any and all reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by Gentiva in successfully enforcing any covenant contained in this Agreement. 

 

	8.	Severability 

Employee and Gentiva expressly agree that the covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement are separate, severable, and divisible,
and in the event any portion or portions of such paragraphs are declared invalid or unenforceable, the validity of the remaining paragraphs of this Agreement will not be affected. If any provision contained herein shall for any reason be held
excessively broad or unreasonable as to time, territory, or interest to be protected, the court is hereby empowered and requested to construe said provision by narrowing it, so as to make it reasonable and enforceable to the extent provided under
applicable law. 
  

	9.	Waiver 

 The waiver
by Gentiva of a breach of any provision of this Agreement by Employee shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by Employee or of any of Gentiva’s rights hereunder. 

 

	10.	Entire Agreement 

This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter contained in this Agreement. It may
not be changed orally, but only by an agreement in writing signed by the President of Gentiva and Employee. This Agreement supersedes any prior or contemporaneous discussions, negotiations, understandings, arrangements, or agreements between Gentiva
and Employee with respect to the subject matter contained in this Agreement. 
  

	11.	Future Employers 

Employee agrees that Gentiva may notify anyone employing Employee or evidencing an intention to employ Employee as to the existence and
provisions of this Agreement and may provide any such person or organization a copy of this Agreement. Employee agrees that for a period of three (3) years after termination of Employee’s employment with Gentiva for any reason, Employee
will provide Gentiva the identity of any employer Employee goes to work for along with Employee’s job title and anticipated job duties with any such employer. Employee further agrees to provide a copy of this Agreement to anyone who employs
Employee within three (3) years of the termination of Employee’s employment with Gentiva. 

  
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	12.	Binding Effect 

The covenants, terms, and provisions set forth in this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Gentiva and its
successors, assigns, and successors-in-interest, including, without limitation, any corporation, partnership, or other entity with which Gentiva may be merged or by which it may be acquired. This Agreement may be assigned by Gentiva without
Employee’s consent. Employee may not assign Employee’s rights and obligations under this Agreement to any other party. 
  

	13	Employment At-Will Relationship 

 Employee and Gentiva agree that nothing in this Agreement alters the at-will nature of Employee’s employment relationship with Gentiva and that either Employee or Gentiva may terminate the employment
relationship at any time for any reason. Employee further agrees that nothing in this Agreement limits Gentiva’s right to alter or modify Employee’s job title or job duties and responsibilities any time at Gentiva’s discretion.

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been entered into as of the date first above written. 

 

			
	GENTIVA HEALTH SERVICES, INC.
		
	By:	 	 /s/    Tony
Strange        

		 	Tony Strange
		 	Chief Executive Officer and President

  

			
		
	 	 	 /s/    Eric R.
Slusser        

		 	Eric R. Slusser
		 	As Employee

  
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 ATTACHMENT 1Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan

 Exhibit 10.14 
 ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION 
 NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

 (Amended and Restated as of November 17, 2010) 

  
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 Table of Contents 

 

							
	Article 1	  		  			
	 1.1
	  	Establishment of the Plan	  	 	1	  
	 1.2
	  	Purpose of the Plan	  	 	1	  
	 Article 2
	  		  			
	 2.1
	  	Account Balance	  	 	1	  
	 2.2
	  	Administrator	  	 	1	  
	 2.3
	  	Beneficiary	  	 	1	  
	 2.4
	  	Change in Control	  	 	2	  
	 2.5
	  	Code	  	 	2	  
	 2.6
	  	Committee	  	 	2	  
	 2.7
	  	Compensation	  	 	2	  
	 2.8
	  	Deferral Election Form	  	 	2	  
	 2.9
	  	Disability	  	 	2	  
	 2.10
	  	Distributable Event	  	 	2	  
	 2.11
	  	Early Retirement Date	  	 	2	  
	 2.12
	  	Eligible Employee	  	 	3	  
	 2.13
	  	Employer	  	 	3	  
	 2.14
	  	ERISA	  	 	3	  
	 2.15
	  	Excess Compensation	  	 	3	  
	 2.16
	  	Incentive Compensation	  	 	3	  
	 2.17
	  	Normal Retirement Date	  	 	3	  
	 2.18
	  	Participant	  	 	3	  
	 2.19
	  	Plan	  	 	3	  
	 2.20
	  	Plan Year	  	 	3	  
	 2.21
	  	RCP Award	  	 	3	  
	 2.22
	  	Separation from Service	  	 	4	  
	 2.23
	  	Spouse	  	 	4	  
	 2.24
	  	Trust Agreement	  	 	4	  
	 2.25
	  	Trust Fund	  	 	4	  
	 2.26
	  	Trustee	  	 	4	  
	 2.27
	  	Unforeseeable Emergency	  	 	4	  

  
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	 2.28
	  	Valuation Date	  	 	5	  
	 2.29
	  	Vested Interest	  	 	5	  
	 Article 3
	  		  			
	 3.1
	  	Eligibility Requirements	  	 	5	  
	 3.2
	  	Initial Deferral Elections, Generally	  	 	5	  
	 3.3
	  	Initial Deferral Elections for RCP Awards	  	 	5	  
	 Article 4
	  		  			
	 4.1
	  	Employer Credits	  	 	5	  
	 4.2
	  	Separate Accounting	  	 	6	  
	 4.3
	  	Vesting in the Account Balance	  	 	6	  
	 4.4
	  	Earnings	  	 	6	  
	 4.5
	  	Amounts Payable	  	 	6	  
	 Article 5
	  		  			
	 5.1
	  	Distribution	  	 	6	  
	 5.2
	  	Subsequent Deferral	  	 	7	  
	 5.3
	  	Form of Payment	  	 	7	  
	 5.4
	  	Acceleration of Benefits	  	 	7	  
	 5.5
	  	Forfeiture of Amounts Not Vested	  	 	8	  
	 Article 6
	  		  			
	 6.1
	  	Administrator	  	 	8	  
	 6.2
	  	Accounts and Expenses	  	 	8	  
	 6.3
	  	Employer’s Powers	  	 	9	  
	 6.4
	  	Responsibility of the Employer	  	 	9	  
	 Article 7
	  		  			
	 7.1
	  	Unfunded Status of Plan	  	 	9	  
	 7.2
	  	Investment Vehicle	  	 	9	  
	 7.3
	  	Directed Investments	  	 	9	  
	 Article 8
	  		  			
	 8.1
	  	Amendment of Plan	  	 	11	  
	 8.2
	  	Termination of Plan by Employer	  	 	11	  
	 8.3
	  	Automatic Termination of Plan	  	 	11	  
	 8.4
	  	Amendment and Termination Compliance	  	 	11	  
	 Article 9
	  		  			

  
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	 9.1
	  	Limitation of Rights	  	 	11	  
	 9.2
	  	Total Agreement	  	 	12	  
	 9.3
	  	No Contract of Employment	  	 	12	  
	 9.4
	  	Limitation on Assignment	  	 	12	  
	 9.5
	  	Representations	  	 	12	  
	 9.6
	  	Severability	  	 	12	  
	 9.7
	  	Applicable Law	  	 	12	  
	 9.8
	  	Title to Assets	  	 	12	  
	 9.9
	  	Gender and Number	  	 	12	  
	 9.10
	  	Headings and Subheadings	  	 	12	  
	 9.11
	  	Legal Action	  	 	13	  
	 9.12
	  	Claims Procedure	  	 	13	  

  
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 ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION 

NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN 
 Article 1 
 Establishment and Purpose of the Plan 

 

	1.1	Establishment of the Plan. The AnnTaylor Stores Corporation (“the Employer”) hereby adopts the Ann Taylor Stores Corporation
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (“the Plan), effective January 1, 2008. The Plan assets will be held in a Rabbi Trust. 

  

	1.2	Purpose of the Plan. The purpose of the Plan is to provide additional benefits to Participants upon the occurrence of a Distributable Event.

 Article 2 
 Definitions 
 Whenever used in the Plan, the following terms will have the
meanings as set forth in this Article, unless a different meaning is clearly required by the context in which the term is used. 
  

	2.1	Account Balance. The term “Account Balance” means the bookkeeping account maintained for each Participant which reflects the value of the
deferred Compensation credited to the Participant, including the earnings or losses allocable thereto and adjusted to reflect any distribution made to the Participant or his or her Beneficiary. If a Participant has more than one Beneficiary at the
time of the Participant’s death, a separate Account Balance will be maintained for each Beneficiary. A Participant will have no secured rights of any kind to his or her Account Balance. 

 

	2.2	Administrator. The term “Administrator” means the Employer unless another Administrator is appointed by the Employer to administer the
Plan. 

  

	2.3	 Beneficiary. The term “Beneficiary” means the person, persons, or legal entity entitled to receive benefits under this
Plan that become payable in the event of the Participant’s death. All Beneficiary designation must be in writing on a form prescribed acceptable to the Administrator, and a Participant may amend or revoke such designation at any time in
writing. Such designation, amendment, or revocation will be effective upon receipt of same by the Administrator. If a Beneficiary has not been designated, or if all of a Participant’s designated Beneficiaries die prior to the death of the
Participant, or if a Beneficiary designation is ineffective for any reason, then the estate of the Participant will be the Beneficiary. Upon the death of the Participant, any Beneficiary entitled to the Participant’s Vested Interest under this
Section will become a vested 

  
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Beneficiary and have all the rights of the Participant with the exception of making deferrals, including the right to designate Beneficiaries. 

 

	2.4	Change in Control. A Change in Control shall only exist for purposes of the Plan if a Change in Control would exist as defined in Section 409A of the Code,
and the regulations promulgated thereunder, and if a change in control would also exist under Ann Taylor’s Special Severance Plan. 

  

	2.5	Code. The term “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as now in effect or as hereafter amended and the regulations promulgated
thereunder. All citations to sections of the Code are to such sections as they may from time to time be amended or renumbered. 

  

	2.6	Committee. The term “Committee” means the committee, if any, appointed by the Employer to which the Employer delegates some or all of its
administrative duties under the Plan. 

  

	2.7	Compensation. The term “Compensation” means, with respect to a Plan Year, base salary and Incentive Compensation earned by the
Participant for services rendered during such Plan Year. 

  

	2.8	Deferral Election Form. The term “Deferral Election Form” means a form indicating the amount of Compensation to be deferred and the time and form of
payment of such deferred amount, in such form as the Committee shall from time to time approve. In the event of a conflict between the terms of the Plan and the terms of a Deferral Election Form, the terms of the Plan shall govern.

  

	2.9	Disability. The term “Disability” is defined in the Ann Taylor’s long term disability policy; provided that a Disability shall only
exist for purposes of the Plan if a disability would exist under the definition provided in section 409A of the code and the regulations promulgated thereunder. 

 

	2.10	Distributable Event. The term “Distributable Event” means an event occurring as a result of: 

 

	 	(1)	the Participant’s death; 

  

	 	(2)	Disability; 

  

	 	(3)	a Change in Control 

  

	 	(4)	Separation from Service 

  

	 	(5)	a specified date as elected by the Participant subject to the limitations of Sections 3.2 and 5.1; 

 

	 	(6)	Unforeseeable Emergency. 

  

	2.11	Early Retirement Date. The term “Early Retirement Date” means the date a Participant reaches age 55 and completes at least 5 years of
employment with the Employer. Years of employment with the Employer shall be determined in the same manner as years of service are determined under AnnTaylor Incorporated Savings Plan. 

  
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	2.12	Eligible Employee. The term “Eligible Employee” means any person who is employed by the Employer and is a member of a select group of
employees set forth from to time in a resolution of the Committee. An Eligible Employee can, at the election of the Administrator, include an independent contractor. 

 

	2.13	Employer. The term “Employer” means AnnTaylor Stores Corporation and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. 

 

	2.14	ERISA. The term “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the regulations promulgated
thereunder. Reference to any section or subsection of ERISA includes reference to any comparable or succeeding provisions which amends, supplements or replaces such section or subsection. 

 

	2.15	Excess Compensation. The term ‘Excess Compensation’ means with respect to the Plan year, the total of base compensation, bonus compensation, and any
RCP Awards, earned for the plan year minus the 401(a)(17) qualified plan compensation limit as indexed on an annual basis. The term “Excess Compensation” does not mean guaranteed sign-on bonuses, or other similar long-term,
non-performance-based payments. 

  

	2.16	Incentive Compensation. The term “Incentive Compensation” means the total of the bonus compensation earned by a Participant for services rendered
during all or a portion of a Plan Year and any RCP Awards. The term “Incentive Compensation” does not mean guaranteed sign-on bonuses, or other similar long-term, non-performance-based payments. 

 

	2.17	Normal Retirement Date. The term “Normal Retirement Date” means age 65. 

 

	2.18	Participant. The term “Participant” means an Eligible Employee who has satisfied the eligibility requirements set forth in
Section 3.1 and has entered the Plan as a participant. 

  

	2.19	Plan. The term “Plan” means AnnTaylor Stores Corporation Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan. 

 

	2.20	Plan Year. The term “Plan Year” means the Employer’s fiscal year. 

 

	2.21	 RCP Award. A cash award issued pursuant to the Employer’s Restricted Cash Program which includes an initial banked amount
determined based on a 12 month performance period (“initial performance year”) and adjustments thereon made over a subsequent three-year performance period (“adjustment period”) as determined in accordance with the terms of the
Restricted Cash 

  
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Program from time to time. For purposes of the Plan, (i) the service period with respect to a RCP Award begins on the first day of the initial performance year and (ii) the entire
amount of the RCP Award (the initial banked amount and any adjustments thereon) is included as Compensation for the Plan Year in which the last date of the adjustment period occurs. 

 

	2.22	Separation from Service. The term “Separation from Service” means a separation from service with the Employer, except as otherwise
determined by the Administrator in accordance with Section 409A of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder. A Separation from Service will not be deemed to have occurred upon the sale of a subsidiary or business unit with respect to
a Participant who continues in employment with the subsidiary or purchaser unless or until the Participant incurs a Separation from Service with such subsidiary or purchaser. 

 

	2.23	Spouse. The term “Spouse” means the individual to whom a Participant is or was married. 

 

	2.24	Trust Agreement. The term “Trust Agreement” means the written agreement, if any, made by and between the Employer and the Trustee under
which the Trust Fund is maintained. 

  

	2.25	Trust Fund. The term “Trust Fund” means the unfunded trust fund, if any, created under and subject to the Trust Agreement to hold some or
all of the assets of the Plan. 

  

	2.26	Trustee. The term “Trustee” means the Trustee or Trustees, if any, and any successors thereto, who are duly appointed under the Trust
Agreement. 

  

	2.27	Unforeseeable Emergency. The term “Unforeseeable Emergency” means a severe financial hardship of the Participant resulting (a) from
an illness or accident of the Participant, the Participant’s Spouse, or the Participant’s dependent as defined in Code §152(a); (b) from loss of the Participant’s property due to casualty (including the need to rebuild a
home following damage to a home not otherwise covered by homeowner’s insurance, e.g., as a result of a natural disaster); (c) from the need to pay for the funeral expenses of the Participant’s Spouse or dependent as defined in Code
§152(a); or (d) from other similar extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances arising as a result of events beyond the control of the Participant, as determined by the Board of Directors of the Employer and provided that an
Unforeseeable Emergency shall only exist for purposes of the Plan if an Unforeseeable Emergency would exist as defined in Section 409A of the Code, and the regulations promulgated thereunder. For example, the imminent foreclosure of or eviction
from the Participant’s primary residence may constitute an unforeseeable emergency. In addition, the need to pay for medical expenses (including non-refundable deductibles) and the cost of prescription drug medication may constitute an
unforeseeable emergency. But except as specifically provided above, the purchase of a home or payment of college tuition is not an Unforeseeable Emergency. 

  
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	2.28	Valuation Date. The term “Valuation Date” means the date on which the Trustee determines the value of the Trust Fund. The Trust Fund must
be valued at least annually as of the last day of the Plan Year, but the Administrator can elect to have all or any portion of the Trust Fund valued more frequently. 

 

	2.29	Vested Interest. The term “Vested Interest” means a Participant’s nonforfeitable interest in his or her Account Balance.

 Article 3 
 Participation in the Plan 
  

	3.1	Eligibility Requirements. An Eligible Employee will be eligible to enter the Plan as a Participant by resolution of the Committee.

  

	3.2	Initial Deferral Elections, Generally. Each Participant must make each initial deferral election pursuant to this Plan by completing a Deferral Election
Form. Subject to Sections 3.3 and 5.2, each such initial deferral election must be irrevocable, before the beginning of the Participant’s first taxable year inwhich the Participant performs services relating to the Compensation he or she elects
to defer under the Plan, in accordance with Section 409A of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder. 

  

	3.3	Initial Deferral Elections for RCP Awards. To the extent expressly permitted by the Committee from time to time, in its sole discretion, and as set
forth in an applicable Deferral Election Form, a Participant may be permitted to make an initial deferral election with respect to a RCP Award by completing a Deferral Election Form after the beginning of the Participant’s first taxable year in
which the Participant performs services with respect to which the RCP Award relates. 

 Article 4

 Credits 
  

	4.1	Employer Credits. Each Plan Year, the following amounts will be credited to the Account Balance of each Participant: 

 

	 	a)	If the Participant elects to defer an amount under the AnnTaylor Incorporated Savings Plan, then to the extent such deferral is a deferral of up to 6% of the
Participant’s Excess Compensation, the deferral amount will be credited under the Plan. 

  

	 	b)	The amount of base salary the Participant elects to defer, provided that such amount may not exceed 50% of the Participant’s annual base salary, or other greater
limit set by the Administrator. 

  

	 	c)	The amount of Incentive Compensation that the Participant elects to defer under the Plan. 

 

	 	d)	Beginning on the anniversary of the Participant’s date of hire, an amount equal to the sum of 1 and 2 below: 

  
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	 	1.	An amount equal to 100% of the amount credited under (a) above that constitutes 3% or less of the Participant’s Excess Compensation. 

 

	 	2.	An amount equal to 50% of any amount credited under (a) above that constitutes more than 3% of the Participant’s Excess Compensation, and 6% or less of the
Participant’s Excess Compensation. 

 Provided, however, that no amount shall be credited pursuant to this
Section 4.1(d) for amounts relating to credits under (a) above that relate to Excess Compensation accrued between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010. 

 

	4.2	Separate Accounting. The Trustee shall maintain separate accounts for amounts credited to the Trust under 4.1(a), (b), (c), and (d), and shall
maintain separate accounts for each Plan Year. 

  

	4.3	Vesting in the Account Balance. Credits under 4.1(a), (b), and (c) are at all times fully vested. Credits under 4.1(d) vest upon the second
anniversary of a Participant’s date of hire, subject to the Participant’s continuous employment through such date, except that upon a Change in Control, all credits to accounts made under 4.1(d) shall vest immediately.

  

	4.4	Earnings. Earnings on the amounts deferred shall be credited based on earnings of the Trust Fund. 

 

	4.5	Amounts Payable. Amounts paid under section 5.1 below shall equal the vested amounts credited to the accounts of Participants as provided herein
determined as of the most recent Valuation Date occurring prior to each such payment. 

 Article 5

 Distribution of Benefits 
  

	5.1	Distribution. 

 (a) Amounts Credited Under 4.1(a), (b) and (c). Subject to the terms of the Deferral Election Form, amounts credited under 4.1 (a), (b) and (c) will be distributed as a lump sum
payment six months after a Separation from Service or according to a fixed schedule elected by the Participant. 
 (b) Amounts
Credited Under 4.1(d). Subject to the terms of the Deferral Election Form, vested amounts credited under 4.1(d) will be distributed only upon Separation from Service, and in the following manner: 

 

	 	•	 	 Upon Separation from Service prior to the Early Retirement Date or Normal Retirement Date: in a single lump sum six months following the Separation
from Service. 

  
 6 

	 	•	 	 Upon Separation from Service following the Early Retirement Date or Normal Retirement Date: in the form as elected by the Participant prior to
commencement of participation in the Plan. A Participant receiving distribution amounts in the form of installments will receive the initial installment as soon as administratively feasible following the 6 months period after Separation from
Service, with subsequent installments to be paid on an annual basis in each successive calendar year. For Participants receiving distributions in substantially equal installments, the proportion of the total amount in the account to be paid in each
installment shall be determined by dividing the number one by the number of remaining installments. 

  

	5.2	Subsequent Deferral. Any changes in the time or form of distribution may not take effect until 12 months after the subsequent elections are made.
If a subsequent election is made with respect to distributions that would occur because of a Change in Control, a fixed schedule, or Separation from Service, the new election cannot allow payment until at least five years after payments would have
otherwise begun under the initial deferral election, unless otherwise permitted under Section 409A of the Code. 

  

	5.3	Form of Payment. Payment shall be made in the form of cash unless the Participant elects another form of payment and the Employer agrees to provide
payment in that form. 

  

	5.4	Acceleration of Benefits 

(a) Death or Disability: For amounts credited under 4.1(a), (b), and (c) that the Participant has elected to receive according
to a fixed schedule, distribution will accelerate upon the Participant’s Death or Disability. 
 (b) Change in Control:
For amounts credited under 4.1(a), (b), (c), and (d), distributions will accelerate upon a Change in Control. (See 4.3 above for vesting rules upon a Change in Control.) 
 (c) Unforseeable Emergency: If a Participant has an Unforeseeable Emergency, the Participant may elect to receive a lump sum distribution equal to the amount requested or, if less, the
maximum amount determined by the Administrator to be permitted to be distributed under this sub-section (c), 409A of the Code, and the regulations promulgated thereunder. A distribution due to an Unforeseeable Emergency (a) may not be made to
the extent that such emergency is or may be relieved through reimbursement or compensation from insurance or otherwise, by liquidation of the Participant’s assets (to the extent that any such liquidation would not itself cause severe financial
hardship), or by cessation of deferrals under the Plan; and (b) may not exceed the amount reasonably necessary to satisfy the emergency need (which may include any amounts necessary to pay any federal, state, or local income taxes or penalties
reasonably anticipated to result from the distribution). 
 (d) No Acceleration: Except as provided for in subsection (a),
(b), and (c) above, in no event will the time or schedule of any payment be accelerated except in the instance of (a) payments to someone other than the Participant that are needed to fulfill a domestic relations order as defined in Code
§414(q); (b) payments necessary to comply with federal rules against conflicts of 

  
 7 

 
interest; and (c) the minimum amount necessary to pay FICA taxes required by Code §3121(v)(2) (and the related income tax withholding triggered by the distribution). In addition, the
Plan may be amended at any time to add a provision permitting an automatic lump sum payment of not more than $10,000 upon termination of a Participant’s entire interest in the Plan, provided the distribution is made not later than the later of
(a) 2 1/2 months after a Participant’s
Separation from Service; or (b) the end of the calendar year which contains the date of the Participant’s Separation from Service. 
  

	5.5	Forfeiture of Amounts Not Vested. Any amounts not vested at the time of distribution shall be forfeited to the Employer. 

Article 6 

Plan Administration 
  

	6.1	Administrator. The Employer will be responsible for appointing an Administrator to administer the Plan. Such Administrator may be an individual and/or a
committee authorized to act collectively on behalf of the Plan. The Administrator will have responsibility for the operation and administration of the Plan and will direct payment of Plan benefits. The Administrator will have the power and authority
to adopt, interpret, alter, amend, or revoke rules and regulations necessary to administer the Plan and delegate ministerial duties and employ such outside professionals as may be required for prudent administration of the Plan. The Administrator
will also have authority to enter agreements on behalf of the Employer necessary to implement this Plan. The Administrator, if otherwise eligible, may participate in the Plan but will not be entitled to make decisions solely with respect to his or
her own participation. If the Employer appoints an individual and a committee as Administrator, the Employer will designate the division of the duties hereunder between the individual and the committee. 

 

	6.2	Accounts and Expenses. An Account Balance will be established for each Participant. Such Account Balance will be valued at fair market value as of the
last day of the calendar year and on such other dates as necessary for the proper administration of the Plan, and each Participant will receive a written accounting at least annually of his or her Account Balance (and the Vested Interest therein)
following such valuation. Such accounting will be made as soon as administratively feasible after the end of the calendar year. Each Account Balance will be credited or debited, as applicable, with (a) any increase or decrease resulting from
investments; (b) any expenses incurred by the Employer in maintaining and administering this Plan, which may be paid out of the Plan; and (c) the amount of any distribution. 

  
 8 

	6.3	Employer’s Powers. The Employer and the Administrator will have the power and authority to adopt, interpret, alter, amend or revoke rules and
regulations necessary to administer the Plan and to delegate ministerial duties and employ such outside professionals, including the Administrator, as may be required for the prudent administration of the Plan. The Employer will also have authority
to enter into contracts as necessary to implement this Plan. 

  

	6.4	Responsibility of the Employer. The Employer will have the sole responsibility for the establishment and maintenance of the Plan. The Employer, will have
the power and authority to appoint an Administrator, any Trustees (to the extent assets of the Plan are held in an unfunded Trust), and any other professionals as may be required for the administration of the Plan or Trust. The Employer will
also have the right to remove any individual or party appointed to perform functions under the Plan. 

 Article
7 
 Investment of Rabbi Trust Assets 
  

	7.1	Unfunded Status of Plan. It is intended that this Plan will be unfunded within the meaning of that term under ERISA. Any Employer credits which are made
to an unfunded Trust will be transmitted to the Trustee not less frequently than annually. 

  

	7.2	Investment Vehicle. The Employer may elect to invest all assets of the Plan in an unfunded Trust Fund, but all credits made to the Plan, all property and
rights to property (including rights as a Beneficiary of a contract providing life insurance protection) purchased with such credits, and all income attributable to such credits, property or rights, will remain (until paid or made available to the
Participant or Beneficiary) solely the property and rights of the Employer, subject only to the claims of the Employer’s general creditors. Assets will be held in a Rabbi Trust. 

 

	7.3	Directed Investments. Subject to any rules or procedures established by the Administrator under paragraph (h), the Administrator may permit Participants
to direct the investment of one or more of their accounts, and subject to any such rules or procedures, investment directives must be given by a Participant in accordance with the following: 

(a) Directed Investment Accounts. The Administrator will designate which accounts can be directed and whether the Participant or
other payee can direct all or only a portion of each such account. Any such designation can be changed by the Administrator from time to time by communicating new procedures to the Participants. 

(b) Investment Funds. Any amount a Participant or other payee directs will be put into a segregated investment selected by him or
her; or among alternative investment funds offered under the Plan. With respect to any Plan assets which are invested in the Trust Fund, such alternative investment funds will be under the full control and management of the Trustees. Alternatively,
if investments outside the Trustee’s control are allowed, Participants and payees 

  
 9 

 
may not direct that investments be made in collectibles, other than U.S. Government gold and silver coins. If a Participant or payee fails to make a timely investment election, at the
Administrator’s discretion either no election will be deemed to have been made or the Participant or other payee will be considered to have made an election to invest 100% of his or her account in an investment option, the primary objective of
which is the preservation of principal, until such time as an investment decision by the Participant or other payee becomes effective. 
 (c) Investment Form. A Participant’s investment direction will be made in a form acceptable to, and in accordance with procedures established by, the Administrator. Unless changed by
procedures established by the Administrator and communicated to Participants and other payees, (1) a Participant or other payee may change his or her investment election by filing a new investment designation form with the Administrator or the
Administrator’s designee; (2) any such change will be effective no later than the first day of the next investment election period; and (3) investment election periods will be established at the discretion of the Administrator.

 (d) Transfers of Assets Between Funds. Unless changed by procedures established by the Administrator and communicated
to Participants and other payees, if multiple investment fund options are made available, a Participant or other payee may elect to transfer all or part of his or her account from one investment fund to another investment fund by filing an
investment designation form with the Administrator or with the Administrator’s designee within a reasonable administrative period prior to the next period for which investment options may be elected to be transferred. The funds will be
transferred as soon as practicable prior to, or by the start of, the new election period. If made available, telephone or other electronic or computer transfers will be permitted under uniform procedures approved adopted by the Administrator.

 (e) Administrator Responsibility. Either the Administrator or the Administrator’s designee will be responsible
when transmitting Employer and Employee credits or other Plan assets to indicate the dollar amount which is to be credited to each investment fund on behalf of each Participant or other payee. 

(f) No Administrator Liability. Except as may otherwise be provided under the terms of the Plan, neither the Administrator nor the
Employer will be liable to the Participant or other payee (or to his or her Beneficiaries) for any loss resulting from action taken under this Section at the direction of the Participant or other payee. 

(g) Charges and Fees. Any charge or fee, including legal fees, incurred in connection with a Participant’s direction under
this Section of the Plan may be charged to and paid from the assets of the Participant’s account. 
 (h) Adoption of
Procedures. All investment designations by Participants or other payees will be made subject to and in accordance with any rules or procedures the Administrator may adopt. Such rules or procedures, when properly executed in a written document,
will be deemed incorporated in this Plan. 

  
 10 

 Article 8 
 Amendment or Termination of Plan 
  

	8.1	Amendment of Plan. The Employer can amend the Plan at any time, and from time to time, in whole or in part, but any such amendment (a) must be in
writing; (b) will be binding on all parties claiming an interest under the Plan; and (c) cannot deprive a Participant or Beneficiary of a right accrued under the Plan prior to the date of the amendment without the written consent of the
Participant or Beneficiary, provided, however, that a Beneficiary’s consent is not required if the amendment is executed prior to the date of the Participant’s death. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Employer can amend the Plan at any
time, retroactively if necessary, to (a) assure that the Plan is characterized as a top-hat plan of deferred compensation maintained for a select group of management or highly compensated employee as described under ERISA §201(2),
§301(a)(3), and §401(a)(1); and (b) to conform the Plan to the requirements of any applicable law, including ERISA and the Code. No amendment described in the preceding sentence will be considered prejudicial to any interest of a
Participant or Beneficiary under the Plan. 

  

	8.2	Termination of Plan by Employer. Although the Employer has established this Plan with the intention and expectation to maintain the Plan indefinitely, the
Employer may terminate or discontinue the Plan in whole or in part at any time without any liability for such termination or discontinuance. Upon termination, all credits will cease. The Plan is considered terminated only if all assets of the Plan
are paid to Participants as soon as administratively practicable. If the assets of the Plan are not distributed, the Plan will be treated as a frozen plan and must continue to comply with all of the statutory requirements necessary for Plan
eligibility. 

  

	8.3	Automatic Termination of Plan. The Plan will automatically terminate with respect to the Employer upon dissolution of the Employer or upon the
Employer’s merger or consolidation with any other business organization if there is a failure by the surviving business organization to specifically adopt and continue the Plan. 

 

	8.4	Amendment and Termination Compliance. No amendment or termination shall be effective other than in compliance with Section 409A of the Code, and the
regulations promulgated thereunder. 

 Article 9 

Miscellaneous Provisions 
  

	9.1	Limitation of Rights. Neither the establishment of this Plan nor any modification thereof, nor the creation of any fund or account, nor the payment of any
benefits, will be construed as giving a Participant or other person any legal or equitable right against the Employer except as otherwise provided under the terms of the Plan. 

  
 11 

	9.2	Total Agreement. This Plan and other administrative forms will constitute the total agreement or contract between the Employer and an Employee or
Participant regarding his or her participation in the Plan and his or her benefits under the Plan. No oral statement or representation regarding the Plan may be relied upon by an Employee or Participant. 

 

	9.3	No Contract of Employment. Participation in this Plan will not be construed to establish or create an employment contract between any Eligible Employee
and the Employer. 

  

	9.4	Limitation on Assignment. Benefits under this Plan may not be assigned, sold, transferred, or encumbered, and any attempt to do so will be void. A
Participant’s or Beneficiary’s interest in the Plan will not be subject to debts or liabilities of the Participant, and will not be subject to attachment, garnishment, or other legal process. 

 

	9.5	Representations. The Employer does not represent or guarantee that any particular federal or state income, payroll, personal property, or other tax
consequence will result from participation in this Plan. A Participant should consult with professional tax advisors to determine the tax consequences of his or her participation. Furthermore, the Employer does not represent or guarantee successful
investment of Plan assets and will not be required to repay any loss that may result from such investment or lack of investment. 

  

	9.6	Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction holds any provision of the Plan to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining Plan provisions will
nevertheless continue to be fully effective. 

  

	9.7	Applicable Law. This Plan will be construed in accordance with applicable federal law and, to the extent otherwise applicable and to the extent not
superseded by applicable federal law, the laws of the domicile of the Employer. 

  

	9.8	Title to Assets. No Participant or Beneficiary will have any right to, or any interest in, any Plan assets upon his or her Separation from Service with
the Employer, except as may otherwise be provided under the terms of the Plan. 

  

	9.9	Gender and Number. Words used in the masculine gender will be construed as in the feminine or neuter gender where applicable, and words used in the
singular will be construed as in the plural where applicable. 

  

	9.10	Headings and Subheadings. Headings and subheadings are used for convenience of reference, and they constitute no part of this Plan and are not to be
considered in its construction. 

  
 12 

	9.11	Legal Action. In any claim, suit or proceeding about the Plan which is brought against the Administrator, the Plan will be construed and enforced
according to the laws of the state in which the Employer maintains its principal place of business. 

  

	9.12	Claims Procedure. The claims procedure required under ERISA §503 and the regulations thereunder is set forth in a written policy established by the
Administrator. Such policy will be the sole and exclusive remedy for an Employee, Participant or Beneficiary (“Claimant”) to make a claim for benefits under the Plan. 

  
 13 

 This Agreement is executed as of the         day of
            , 201    . 
  

			
	AnnTaylor Stores Corporation
		
	By	 	
 

			
		
	Print Name	 	
 

			
		
	Title	 	  

  
 14 

 ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION 

NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN 
 Administrative Policy Regarding Claims Procedures 
 In accordance with Section 9.12 of
ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN (the “Plan”), ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION and its subsidiaries (the “Sponsoring Employer”) hereby implements the rules and procedures set forth below to
govern claims for benefit under the Plan. The procedures set forth in the policy here are the sole and exclusive remedy for an Employee, Participant or Beneficiary (“Claimant”) to make a claim for benefits, and these procedures will be
administered and interpreted in a manner consistent with the requirements of ERISA §503 and the regulations thereunder. All claims determinations that are made by the Administrator, the Appropriate Named Fiduciary, and/or the Committee (if one
has been appointed under Section 8.3 of the Plan) will be made in accordance with this procedure and will be applied consistently to similarly situated Claimants. The terms used in this procedure will have the same meaning ascribed to those
terms in the Plan. 
 Definitions 
 In applying the terms of this Policy, any terms used herein which are also used in the Plan will have the same meaning ascribed to them under this Policy as ascribed to them under the terms of the Plan
except as may otherwise be provided in this Policy. In addition, the following terms specific to this Policy will have the following meanings: 
 Appropriate Named Fiduciary. For purposes of this Policy, the term “Appropriate Named Fiduciary” means either (1) if a Committee has been appointed by the Sponsoring Employer under
Section 8.3 of the Plan, the Committee; (2) if a Committee has not been appointed pursuant to Section 8.3 of the Plan, the Administrator; or (3) if an appeal of the initial denial is made for Disability Benefits, then an
individual who is neither the individual who made the initial adverse benefit determination that is the subject of the appeal, nor the subordinate of such individual. Furthermore, for purposes of this Policy, if a Committee has not been appointed by
the Sponsoring Employer pursuant to Section 8.3 of the Plan, any reference to Committee will be considered a reference to the Administrator. 
 Disability Benefit. For purposes of this Policy, the term “Disability Benefit” means a benefit that, if available and provided by the Plan, becomes payable upon a determination of a
Participant’s Disability, other than any disability that, pursuant to the terms of this Plan, is determined either by the Social Security Administration or under the Sponsoring Employer’s long term disability plan. 

Initial Determination of a Claim 
 Written Claim. A Claimant (or the Claimant’s authorized representative) may file a claim for a benefit to which the Claimant believes he or she is entitled under the Plan. Claims must be filed
in writing with the Administrator. 

  
 1 

 Denial of a Claim. The Administrator, in its sole and complete discretion, will make
all initial determinations as to the right of any person to benefits. If the claim is denied in whole or in part, the Administrator will send the Claimant a written or electronic notice (which electronic notice must comply with the standards imposed
by Department of Labor Regulation §2520.104b-1(c)(1)(I), (iii), and (iv)) informing the Claimant of the denial. The notice must be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant and must contain the following information:
(1) the specific reason or reasons for the denial; (2) reference to the specific plan provisions on which the denial is based; (3) a description of any additional material or information necessary for the Claimant to perfect the claim
and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary; (4) a description of the Plan’s review (i.e., appeal) procedures and the time limits applicable to such procedures, including a statement of the Claimant’s right to
bring a civil action under ERISA §502(a) following an adverse benefit determination on review; and (5) in the case of the Plan’s denial to provide Disability Benefits to a Claimant (a) if an internal rule, guideline, protocol, or
other similar criterion was relied upon in making the adverse determination, either the specific rule, guideline, protocol, or other similar criterion; or a statement that such a rule, guideline, protocol, or other similar criterion was relied upon
in making the adverse determination and that a copy of such rule, guideline, protocol, or other criterion will be provided free of charge to the Claimant upon request; or (b) if the adverse benefit determination is based on a medical necessity
or experimental treatment or similar exclusion or limit, either an explanation of the scientific or clinical judgment for the determination, applying the terms of the plan to the Claimant’s medical circumstances, or a statement that such
explanation will be provided free of charge upon request. 
 Notice of a Claim Denial 

Claims for Non-Disability Benefits. With respect to a claim for benefits that are not Disability Benefits, written or electronic
notice of the denial will be given within a reasonable period of time (but no later than 90 days) from the date the Administrator receives the written claim, unless special circumstances require an extension of time for processing the claim. In no
event may the extension exceed 90 days from the end of the initial 90-day period. If an extension is necessary, the Administrator will send the Claimant a written notice prior to the expiration of the initial 90-day period in which the Administrator
indicates the special circumstances requiring an extension and the date by which the Administrator expects to render a decision. 

Claims for Disability Benefits. With respect to a claim for Disability Benefits, written or electronic notice of the denial will be
given within a reasonable period of time (but no later than 45 days) from the date the Administrator receives the written claim. The 45-day period can be extended by the Administrator for up to 30 days if the Administrator both determines that an
extension is necessary due to matters beyond the control of the Administrator and notifies the Claimant, prior to the expiration of the initial 45-day period, of the circumstances requiring the extension and the date by which the Administrator
expects to render a decision. If, prior to the end of the first 30-day extension period, the Administrator determines that, due to matters beyond the control of the Administrator, a decision cannot be rendered within that extension period, then the
period for making the determination may be extended for up to an additional 30 days, provided the Administrator notifies the Claimant, prior to the expiration of the first 30-day extension period, of the circumstances requiring the extension and the
date as of which the Administrator expects to render a decision. In the case of any extension under this paragraph, the 

  
 2 

 
notice of extension will specifically explain the standards on which entitlement to a benefit is based, the unresolved issues that prevent a decision on the claim, and the additional information
needed to resolve those issues, and the Claimant will be afforded at least 45 days within which to provide the specified information. 

Appeals Process 

Request for Appeal. If the Administrator denies a claim in whole or in part, the Claimant may elect to appeal the denial. If the
Claimant does not appeal the denial pursuant to the procedures set forth in this Policy, the denial will be final, binding and unappeasable. If a request for an appeal is timely filed, the Claimant will be afforded a full and fair review of the
claim and the denial. As part of this review, the Claimant may submit written comments, documents, records, and other information relating to the claim, and the review will take into account all such comments, documents, records, or other
information submitted by the Claimant, without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the Administrator’s initial benefit determination. The Claimant also may obtain, free of charge and upon request, records and other
information relevant to the claim, without regard to whether such information was relied upon by the Administrator in making the initial benefit determination. The timing for an appeal of the initial denial of benefits (and other applicable
provisions) is as follows: 
  

	 	(a)	Appeal of a Claim for Non-Disability Benefits. With respect to a claim for benefits that are not Disability Benefits, the written request for appeal must be
filed by the Claimant (or by the Claimant’s authorized representative) with the Appropriate Named Fiduciary within 60 days after the date on which the Claimant receives the Administrator’s notice of denial. 

 

	 	(b)	Appeal of a Claim for Disability Benefits. With respect to a claim for Disability Benefits, (A) the written request for appeal must be filed by the Claimant
(or by the Claimant’s authorized representative) with the Appropriate Named Fiduciary within 180 days after the date on which the Claimant receives the Administrator’s notice of denial; (B) the appeal for Disability Benefits will not
afford any deference to the initial denial and will be conducted by the Appropriate Named Fiduciary who is neither the individual who made the adverse benefit determination that is the subject of the appeal, nor the subordinate of such individual;
(C) if the appeal of any adverse benefit determination is based in whole or in part on a medical judgment, including determinations with regard to whether a particular treatment, drug, or other item is experimental, investigational, or not
medically necessary or appropriate, then the Appropriate Named Fiduciary will consult with a health care professional who has appropriate training and experience in the field of medicine involved in the medical judgment; (D) the Claimant will
be given the identification of medical or vocational experts whose advice was obtained on behalf of the Plan in connection with a Claimant’s initial denial, without regard to whether the advice was relied upon in making the benefit
determination; and (E) the health care professional engaged for a consultation under clause (C) above will be an individual who is neither an individual who was consulted in connection with the initial denial that is the subject of the
appeal, nor the subordinate of any such individual. 

 Review of Appeal. The Appropriate Named Fiduciary
will, in its sole and complete discretion, determine whether to uphold all or part of the initial claim denial. If on appeal the Appropriate 

  
 3 

 
Named Fiduciary determines that all or part of the initial denial should be upheld, the Administrator will send the Claimant a written or electronic notice informing the Claimant of its decision
to uphold all or part of the initial denial, written in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant and containing the specific reason or reasons for the denial; a specific reference to pertinent Plan provisions on which the denial is
based; a statement that the Claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to and copies of all documents and other information relevant to the claim; and an explanation of the Claimant’s right to request
arbitration and the applicable time limits for doing so. Any written or electronic notice informing the Claimant of its decision to uphold all or a portion of the initial denial will be given according to the following provisions: 

 

	 	(a)	Notice to Uphold Denial of Non-Disability Benefits. With respect to a claim for benefits that are not Disability Benefits, the written or electronic notice will
be given within a reasonable period of time (but no later than 60 days) from the date the Appropriate Named Fiduciary receives the request for appeal, unless special circumstances require an extension of time for reviewing the claim. In no event may
the extension exceed 60 days from the end of the initial 60-day period. If an extension is necessary, prior to the expiration of the initial 60-day period, the Administrator will send the Claimant a written notice, indicating the special
circumstances requiring an extension and the date by which the Appropriate Named Fiduciary expects to render a decision. 

  

	 	(b)	Notice to Uphold Denial of Disability Benefits. With respect to a claim for Disability Benefits, the written or electronic notice will be given within a
reasonable period of time (but no later than 45 days) from the date the Appropriate Named Fiduciary receives the request for appeal, unless special circumstances require an extension of time for reviewing the claim. In no event may the extension
exceed 45 days from the end of the initial 45-day period. If an extension is necessary, prior to the expiration of the initial 45-day period, the Administrator will send the Claimant a written notice, indicating the special circumstances requiring
an extension and the date by which the Appropriate Named Fiduciary expects to render a decision. 

 Alternative
Time for an Appeal to Be Decided. Notwithstanding the preceding section, if (1) a Committee is serving as the Appropriate Named Fiduciary, (2) the Committee holds regularly scheduled meetings on a quarterly or more frequent basis, and
(3) the appeal of the initial denial is for benefits that are not Disability Benefits (however, if this Plan is a multi-Employer Plan, then this paragraph will also apply to Disability Benefits), then the Committee may make its determination of
the claim on appeal at its next regularly scheduled meeting if the Committee receives the written request for appeal more than 30 days prior to its next regularly scheduled meeting or at the regularly scheduled meeting immediately following the next
regularly scheduled meeting if the Committee receives the written request for appeal within 30 days of the next regularly scheduled meeting. If special circumstances require an extension, the decision may be postponed to the third regularly
scheduled meeting following the Committee’s receipt of the written request for appeal if, prior to the expiration of the initial time period for review, the Claimant is provided with written notice, indicating the special circumstances
requiring an extension and the date by which the Committee expects to render a decision. If the extension is required because the Claimant has not provided information that is necessary to decide the claim, the Committee may suspend the review
period from the date on which notice of the extension is 

  
 4 

 sent to the Claimant until the date on which the Claimant responds to the request for
additional information. The Committee shall notify the Claimant of the benefit determination as soon as possible, but not later than 5 days after the benefit determination is made. 
 Voluntary Arbitration 
 If (1) a Claimant wishes to contest a final
decision of the Appropriate Named Fiduciary and (2) the Claimant voluntarily chooses not to bring a civil action under ERISA §502(a) following an adverse benefit determination on appeal, then the Claimant and the Appropriate Named
Fiduciary may agree to arbitration. If a Claimant agrees to arbitration, then a written request for arbitration must be filed by the Claimant (or the Claimant’s authorized representative) with the Administrator within 60 days (or such
additional time as the Administrator may deem appropriate) after the date the Claimant receives the written decision of the Appropriate Named Fiduciary. The Claimant and the Administrator will each name an arbitrator within 20 days after the
Administrator receives the Claimant’s written request for arbitration. The two arbitrators will jointly name a third arbitrator within 15 days after their appointment. If either party fails to select an arbitrator within the 20 day period, or
if the two arbitrators fail to select a third arbitrator within 15 days after their appointment, then the Administrator will determine that either (1) the arbitration will cease, or (2) the presiding judge of the county court (or its
equivalent) in the county in which the principal office of the Sponsoring Employer is located will appoint the other arbitrator or arbitrators. The arbitrators will render a decision within 60 days after the appointment of the third arbitrator and
will conduct all proceedings pursuant to the laws of the state in which the Sponsoring Employer’s principal place of business is located and the then current Rules of the American Arbitration Association governing commercial transactions, to
the extent such rules are not inconsistent with applicable state law. The cost of arbitration will be borne by the losing party or, if the decision is not clearly in favor of one party or the other, in the manner determined by the arbitrators.
Pursuant to the Claimant’s voluntary choice to pursue arbitration, the arbitrators’ decision will be final, binding and unappeasable. 
  

									
	By	 	  
	 	Date                           
         
		 		 	    For the Plan Administrator	 		 	

  
 5

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00186-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00186-of-00352.parquet"}]]