Document:

agii-ex101_140.htm

Exhibit 10.1

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Executive Employment Agreement (“Agreement”) is effective as of October 1, 2016 and is by and between Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. (“Company”) and Jose Hernandez (“Executive”).

 

WHEREAS, Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. (“Argo Group” or the “Company”) is an international underwriter of specialty insurance and reinsurance products in areas of the property and casualty market; and 

 

WHEREAS, Executive desires to be employed by Company; and

 

WHEREAS, through the Company and its other subsidiaries, Argo Group offers a comprehensive line of products and services designed to meet the unique coverage and claims-handling needs of its clients (“Argo Group” shall mean, individually and collectively, the Company and each of Argo Group’s subsidiaries); and 

 

WHEREAS, Executive acknowledges and agrees that, in addition to providing services to Company, Executive shall have dealings with and provide services to Argo Group;

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual agreements herein set forth, intending to be legally bound, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

	
1.
	
Employment Period.  The Company hereby employs the Executive as an employee, and the Executive agrees to be employed by the Company, upon the terms and conditions set forth herein.  This Agreement is effective as of October 1, 2016 (the “Effective Date”) and shall continue for a fixed period expiring October 1, 2020 unless earlier terminated in accordance with Section 6 hereof (the “Initial Term”).  Prior to the expiration of the Initial Term, the Company and the Executive agree to negotiate in good faith an extension of the Initial Term based on the terms and conditions of this Agreement, unless either the Company or the Executive gives the other party written notice of its or his election not to extend the Initial Term at least six (6) months prior to the end of the Initial Term.  Company and Executive may agree to one or more extensions of the Employment Period but any such agreement must be in writing signed by both parties and must contain a set expiration date (each, a “Renewal Term”; the Initial Term and each Renewal Term, if any, collectively, the “Employment Period”).

 

	
2.
	
Duties.  The Executive agrees to serve the Company in the position of Head of International reporting to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and to perform diligently and to the best of his abilities the duties and services of that office. During the Employment Period, Executive shall perform the duties and services that the Company assigns or delegates to him from time to time.  Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive owes a fiduciary duty of loyalty, fidelity and allegiance to act at all times in the best interests of Argo Group and further agrees not to engage or participate in any act that will or is reasonably likely to injure the business, interests, or reputation of Argo Group.  Unless otherwise agreed to by the Company and the Executive, the Executive’s principal place of business with the Company shall be in Bermuda. Executive shall travel to such extent as may be required in connection with the performance of his duties. 

 

	
3.
	
Compensation. 

 

	
 
	
(a)
	
Base Salary.  Company shall pay Executive an annual salary of U.S. Six Hundred Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($600,000) (“Base Salary”), less all applicable legal deductions and/or withholding.  Base Salary shall be payable in accordance with Company’s policies or practices in effect from time to time, but in any event no less frequently than monthly.  Base Salary shall be reviewed annually by the Company for any potential increases (but not decreases), provided that the parties agree that Executive’s Base Salary shall not be reduced. If the Base Salary is increased by the Company, such Base Salary then constitutes the Base Salary for all purposes of this Agreement. 

 

	
 
	
(b)
	
Profit Sharing Awards and Long-Term Incentive Awards.  In addition to Base Salary, during the Employment Period, the Executive may, in the sole discretion of the Company from time to time, be eligible to earn profit sharing awards and long-term incentive awards contingent upon the achievement of specific objectives as established by the Company.  Executive will be eligible to receive profit sharing and long-term incentive awards beginning in the year 2017.  Executive’s profit sharing awards have a target of Nine Hundred Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($900,000).  Executive’s long-term incentive awards have a target of Nine Hundred Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($900,000).  Any profit sharing award and/or long-term incentive award shall be paid at the time the Company normally pays such bonuses or awards, and Executive is only entitled to receive any such profit sharing and/or long term incentive award if Executive is employed by Company at the payment date. 

 

	
 
	
(c)
	
Benefits.  As additional compensation for Executive, Company shall provide or maintain for Executive medical, welfare and health insurance benefit plans on the same terms and conditions as are made available to all similarly situated executives of the Company generally, subject to the terms and conditions of such plans as in effect from time to time. 

 

	
4.
	
Vacation.  Executive shall be entitled to Paid Time Off (“PTO”) during Executive’s employment under this Agreement, subject to Company's paid time off policy as may be in effect from time to time. 

 

	
5.
	
Reimbursement For Expenses. Company shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable and necessary business expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of Executive’s duties during the Employment Period, provided that requests for reimbursement are submitted in accordance with Company's policies and procedures as in effect from time to time.  In no event shall expenses eligible for reimbursement be reimbursed later than December 31 of the year following the calendar year in which the Executive incurred the related expense.  Any reimbursement in one calendar year may not affect the amount that may be reimbursed in any other calendar year and a right to reimbursement may not be exchanged or liquidated for another benefit or payment.

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6.
	
Termination of Employment. 

 

	
 
	
(a)
	
Death.  This Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the death of the Executive. 

 

	
 
	
(b)
	
Disability.  Subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and any similar state law that may apply, Company may terminate Executive’s employment and this Agreement if Company determines that Executive is physically or mentally impaired and unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s job, with or without reasonable accommodation, during any “Disability Period,” defined as sixty (60) consecutive days or ninety (90) days in any twelve (12)-month period.

 

	
 
	
(c)
	
Termination by Company for Cause.  Company may immediately terminate this Agreement and Executive's employment with the Company upon written notice to Executive at any time for Cause.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” will exist if: 

 

	
 
	
(i)
	
Company determines Executive has committed any dishonest or disloyal act, or has engaged in misconduct or gross negligence in connection with Executive’s employment;

 

	
 
	
(ii)
	
Executive is convicted of, or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or enters into an agreement for deferred adjudication, deferred prosecution, or other form of delayed disposition for any felony or a crime of moral turpitude; 

 

	
 
	
(iii)
	
Company determines Executive has engaged in conduct that violates Argo Group’s policies or is detrimental to the reputation, character or standing of, or otherwise is injurious to, Argo Group, monetarily or otherwise; 

 

	
 
	
(iv)
	
without limiting the generality of Section 6(c)(i), the breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Section 8; 

 

	
 
	
(v)
	
Executive fails to obtain, apply for, or maintain all registrations and/or licenses required to perform Executive’s duties (as contemplated by this Agreement) by any applicable statute or regulation or by the rules of any applicable governing or regulatory entity, including the suspension, cancellation, revocation, termination or restriction of any such registration or license; or

 

	
 
	
(vi)
	
any ruling or finding in any state or federal court or by an arbitration tribunal that Executive has breached, or cannot perform a material part of his obligations hereunder due to, Executive’s obligations under any confidentiality, non-disclosure, non-solicitation, non-competition, non-recruitment, or any other type of restrictive covenant. 

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(d)
	
Termination by Company Without Cause.  Company may terminate Executive's employment at any time, regardless of any reason, by providing at least six (6) months written notice to the Executive. 

 

	
 
	
(e)
	
Termination by Executive.  Provided that the Executive is not in breach of this Agreement, Executive may terminate Executive’ employment at any time, regardless of reason, by providing at least six (6) months written notice to Company. 

 

	
 
	
(f)
	
Non-Renewal by the Company.  The Company may terminate this Agreement by electing not to renew the Employment Period pursuant to the applicable notice requirements under Section 1.

 

	
 
	
(g)
	
Non-Renewal by the Executive.  The Executive may terminate this Agreement by electing not to renew the Employment Period pursuant to the applicable notice requirements under Section 1.

 

	
7.
	
Effect of Termination.  The termination of this Agreement shall not affect any rights of Executive that shall have accrued prior to the date of such termination. 
	
 

 

	
 
	
(a)
	
Upon Death or Disability of the Executive. 

 

	
 
	
(i)
	
During the Employment Period, if the Executive's employment is terminated pursuant to Section 6(a) due to death, the Executive's estate shall be entitled to receive the Base Salary set forth in Section 3 accrued through the date of death and any profit sharing award Fully-Earned through the date of such termination; provided, that, such profit sharing award shall be paid on the first day of the month coincident with or first following the thirtieth (30th) day following the date Executive’s employment is terminated.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Fully-Earned” shall mean that for purposes of determining whether the Executive shall be entitled to a profit sharing award, that such Executive shall be treated as if he had been employed through the last date of the regular period for determining whether or not a profit sharing award is payable in the standard manner that all such executives are evaluated even though Executive is no longer employed by the Company, and his eligibility for a profit sharing award, if any, shall be determined accordingly.  

	
 
	
(ii)
	
During the Employment Period, if the Executive's employment is terminated pursuant to Section 6(b) due to Disability, the Executive shall be entitled to receive the Base Salary set forth in Section 3 accrued through the first day that the Executive is substantially unable to perform the duties hereunder in accordance with Section 6(b) above and any profit sharing award Fully-Earned through the date of such termination; 

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provided, that, such profit sharing award shall be paid on the first day of the month coincident with or first following the thirtieth (30th) day following the date Executive’s employment is terminated.  

	
 
	
(iii)
	
In the case of the Executive's death or termination due to Disability, a surviving spouse of the Executive or the Executive, as applicable, shall be eligible for continuation of family health benefits pursuant to Section 3(c) subject to compliance with plan provisions at the rate currently paid by the Executive at the time of termination for a one-year period after the date of the Executive's death or termination due to Disability, as applicable (“Extended Health Benefits”); provided, however, that (A) such benefit continuation coverage shall be considered part of the benefit continuation coverage which the surviving spouse or Executive, as applicable, is entitled to receive under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), and (B) the surviving spouse or the Executive, as applicable, timely elects COBRA coverage.

	
 
	
(iv)
	
In the event that Executive's employment is terminated pursuant to Section 6(a) or (b), Executive or the surviving spouse, as applicable, shall not be entitled to any Fully Earned profit sharing award pursuant to Sections 7(a)(i) or (ii) or Extended Health Benefits pursuant to Section 7(a)(iii) unless and until Executive or the executor, personal representative or administrator of the Executive’s estate, as applicable, executes a full and complete release of Argo Group in the form attached as Exhibit A (the “Release”) and any and all applicable revocation periods expire.  Additionally, in the event that Executive's employment is terminated pursuant to Section 6(b) due to Disability, it shall be a condition precedent of receipt of Extended Health Benefits that the Executive remains in full compliance with Section 8.  For clarity, if Executive or the executor, personal representative or administrator of the Executive’s estate, as applicable, revokes the Release at any time or the Executive breaches any of his obligations under Section 8, Company, in addition to all other remedies set forth in this Agreement, will have no further obligation to provide the Extended Health Benefits.  

	
 
	
(b)
	
By the Company Without Cause. 

 

If the Company terminates Executive's employment with the Company under Section 6(d) and the termination constitutes a “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and any related regulations or other guidance promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”)): 

 

	
 
	
(i)
	
The Executive shall be entitled to receive his Base Salary set forth in Section 3(a) accrued through the date of such termination.

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(ii)
	
If a Change of Control (x) has not then occurred, the Company shall pay Executive an amount equal to his Base Salary less applicable withholdings and deductions, or (y) has then occurred (or is reasonably expected to occur), the Company shall pay Executive an amount equal to two times his Base Salary, less applicable withholdings and deductions, such amount to be paid in installments over the period of six (6) months in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices (“Severance Pay”); provided, however, that the first such severance payment shall be paid on the first day of the month coincident with or first following the sixtieth (60th) day following the date of termination in an amount equal to the severance payments that would have otherwise been paid during that sixty (60) day period; and provided, further, that if the Executive is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) and any such installment payments are scheduled to be paid after March 15 of the year following termination of employment, the payment of severance may be further delayed as described in and subject to Section 7(d); and provided, further, that any Severance Pay under this Section 7(b) shall be reduced by any payments required pursuant to the WARN Act.

	
 
	
(iii)
	
The Executive shall be entitled to receive any profit sharing award Fully Earned for the year in which Executive’s employment is terminated; provided, that, such annual incentive award shall be paid on the first day of the month coincident with or first following the sixtieth (60th) day following the date of termination; provided, further, that if the Executive is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code), payment of such annual incentive award may be subject to delay in accordance with Section 7(d).

	
 
	
(iv)
	
The Executive shall be eligible for continuation of health benefits pursuant to Section 3(c) (subject to compliance with the applicable plan provisions) at the rate currently paid by the Executive at the time of termination until the Executive obtains reasonably equivalent coverage or for eighteen (18) months from the date of termination, whichever is earlier (“Severance Benefits”); provided, however, that (A) such benefit continuation coverage shall be considered part of the benefit continuation coverage which the Executive is entitled to receive under COBRA, and (B) the Executive timely elects COBRA coverage.

	
 
	
(v)
	
Executive shall remain bound by the restrictive covenants and obligations contained in Sections 8(d) and 8(e).

	
 
	
(vi)
	
Executive is not entitled to any Fully Earned profit sharing award, Severance Pay or Severance Benefits pursuant to this Section 7(b) unless and until Executive executes a full and complete release of Argo Group in the form attached as Exhibit A (the “Release”) and any and all applicable revocation periods expire.  Additionally, it shall be a condition precedent 

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of receipt of Severance Pay or Severance Benefits pursuant to this Section 7(b) that the Executive remains in full compliance with Section 8.  For clarity, if Executive revokes the Release at any time or breaches any of his obligations under Section 8, Company, in addition to all other remedies set forth in this Agreement, will have no further obligation to pay Severance Pay or Severance Benefits.

	
 
	
(vii)
	
Except as provided for in this Section 7(b), the Executive shall not have any rights that have not previously accrued upon termination of this Agreement. 

	
 
	
(c)
	
By Company for Cause. 

 

If Executive's employment is terminated pursuant to Section 6(c):

 

	
 
	
(i)
	
Executive shall be entitled to receive the Base Salary and any benefits set forth in Section 3 accrued but unpaid through the date of termination, and Executive shall not be entitled to any other benefits (unless otherwise required by law). 

	
 
	
(ii)
	
Executive shall remain bound by the restrictive covenants and obligations contained in Sections 8(d) and 8(e).

	
 
	
(d)
	
By Executive. 

 

If Executive's employment is terminated pursuant to Section 6(e):

 

	
 
	
(iii)
	
Executive shall be entitled to receive the Base Salary and any benefits set forth in Section 3 accrued but unpaid through the date of termination.

	
 
	
(iv)
	
Executive shall remain bound by the restrictive covenants and obligations contained in Sections 8(d) and 8(e).

	
 
	
(v)
	
The Company shall pay the Executive one-half of his Base Salary less applicable withholdings and deductions in installments over the period of six (6) months subject to the conditions set forth in Section 7(b)(vi). 

	
 
	
(vi)
	
The Executive shall be eligible for continuation of health benefits pursuant to Section 3(c) (subject to compliance with the applicable plan provisions) at the rate currently paid by the Executive at the time of termination until the Executive obtains reasonably equivalent coverage or for six (6) months from the date of termination, whichever is earlier; provided, however, that (A) such benefit continuation coverage shall be considered part of the benefit continuation coverage which the Executive is entitled to receive under COBRA, and (B) the Executive timely elects COBRA coverage.

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(e)
	
Non-Renewal by the Company; Non-Renewal by the Executive.

 

If Executive's employment is terminated pursuant to Section 6(f) or 6(g):

 

	
 
	
(i)
	
Executive shall be entitled to receive the Base Salary and any benefits set forth in Section 3 accrued but unpaid through the date of termination.

	
 
	
(ii)
	
Executive shall no longer be bound by the restrictive covenants and obligations contained in Sections 8(d) and 8(e).

	
 
	
(f)
	
Six-Month Delay.  Notwithstanding any provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive is a “specified executive” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) at the time of the Executive’s “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) and if any portion of the payments or benefits to be received by the Executive upon the Executive's separation from service would be considered deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, then each portion of such payments and benefits that would otherwise be payable or provided shall instead be paid or made available on the date following the six month anniversary of the Executive's separation from service or, if earlier, the date of his death. 

 

	
 
	
(g)
	
Excise Taxes

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if any portion of the payments and benefits provided under Section 7 of this Agreement, either alone or together with other payments and benefits which the Executive receives or is then entitled to receive from the Company, or any successor (in the aggregate, “Total Payments”), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by section 4999 of the Code, or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any interest or penalties thereon, is herein referred to as the “Excise Tax”), then, except as otherwise provided in the next sentence, such Total Payments shall be reduced to the extent the Independent Tax Counsel shall determine is necessary (but not below zero) so that no portion thereof shall be subject to the Excise Tax.  If Independent Tax Counsel determines that the Executive would receive in the aggregate greater payments and benefits on an after tax basis if the Total Payments were not reduced pursuant to this Section 7(d), then no such reduction shall be made.  For purposes of determining the after tax benefit to the Executive, the Executive’s estimated actual blended marginal rate of federal, state and local income taxation in the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs shall be utilized.  Such marginal rate shall be determined by taking into account (A) the estimated actual net effect on the marginal rate attributable to the deduction of state and local income taxes, (B) the phase out, if any, of itemized deductions, (C) the estimated actual net tax rate attributable to employment taxes, and (D) any other tax provision that in the judgment of the Independent Tax Counsel will actually affect the Executive’s estimated actual blended marginal tax rate.  The determination of which payments or benefits shall 

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be reduced to avoid the Excise Tax shall be made by the Independent Tax Counsel, provided that the Independent Tax Counsel shall reduce or eliminate, as the case may be, payments or benefits in the order that it determines will produce the required deduction in Total Payments with the least reduction in the after-tax economic value to the Executive of such payments.  If the after-tax economic value of any payments is equivalent, such payments shall be reduced in the inverse order of when the payments would have been made to the Executive until the reduction specified herein is achieved.  The Independent Tax Counsel shall provide its determination, together with detailed supporting calculations and documentation to the Company and the Executive within ten (10) days of the Termination Date. The determination of the Independent Tax Counsel under this Section 7(d) shall be final and binding on all parties hereto.  For purposes of this Section 7(d), “Independent Tax Counsel” shall mean a lawyer, a certified public accountant with a nationally recognized accounting firm, or a compensation consultant with a nationally recognized actuarial and benefits consulting firm with expertise in the area of executive compensation tax law, who shall be selected by the Company and shall be acceptable to the Executive (the Executive’s acceptance not to be unreasonably withheld), and whose fees and disbursements shall be paid by the Company.

 

	
8.
	
Confidentiality and Covenants.

 

	
 
	
(a)
	
Definitions.  For the purposes of this Section 8, the following words have the following meanings:

	
 
	
(i)
	
“Company Group” means, individually and collectively, (A) the Company; (B) any entity within Argo Group for which the Executive performs duties pursuant to this Agreement; and (C) any entity within Argo Group in relation to which the Executive has, in the course of his employment, (1) acquired knowledge of Argo Group’s trade secrets or Confidential Information (defined below), (2) had material dealings with Argo Group’s Customers or Prospective Customers, or (3) supervised directly or indirectly any employee having material dealings with Argo Group’s Customers or Prospective Customers.

	
 
	
(ii)
	
“Company Services” means any services (including but not limited to technical and product support, technical advice, underwriting and customer services) supplied by Company Group.

	
 
	
(iii)
	
“Customer” means any Person to whom or which Company Group supplied Company Services and with whom or which: (A) Executive had dealings pursuant to his employment, or (B) any employee who was under the direct or indirect supervision of the Executive had dealings pursuant to his or her employment, or (C) Executive was responsible in a client management capacity on behalf of the Company.

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(iv)
	
“Person” means any individual, firm, company, corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company, joint stock company or other entity of any kind.

	
 
	
(v)
	
“Prospective Customer” means any Person with whom or which Company Group shall have had negotiations or material discussions regarding the possible distribution, sale or supply of Company Services and with whom or which: (A) Executive shall have had dealings pursuant to his employment, or (B) any employee who was under the direct or indirect supervision of Executive shall have had dealings pursuant to his or her employment, or (C) Executive was responsible in a client management capacity on behalf of the Company.

	
 
	
(vi)
	
“Restricted Area” means any geographic area in which Company Group provides Restricted Services and in which Executive participates, directly or indirectly, in the course of performing his duties for Argo Group during the 12 months preceding the date of Executive’s termination of employment.

	
 
	
(vii)
	
“Restricted Employee” means any Person who, on the date of the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company, was employed by Argo Group at the level of director, manager, underwriter or salesperson and with whom the Executive had material contact or dealings in the course of his employment;

	
 
	
(viii)
	
“Restricted Services” means Company Services or any services of the same or of a similar kind.

	
 
	
(b)
	
Acknowledgement.

	
 
	
(i)
	
The Executive acknowledges that, during his employment, Argo Group will disclose to Executive, or place Executive in a position to access or develop trade secrets or Confidential Information (defined in Section 8(c)) belonging to Argo Group; and/or will entrust the Executive with business opportunities of Argo Group; and/or will place the Executive in a position to develop good will on behalf of Argo Group.  The Executive acknowledges that the Confidential Information, business opportunities and good will of Argo Group are of competitive value and could be used to the competitive and financial detriment of Argo Group if misused or disclosed by the Executive.  Argo Group will permit Executive to have access to Confidential Information, business opportunities and goodwill only in return for the Executive’s promises in Section 8 of this Agreement.  The Executive therefore agrees that the obligations and restrictions set out in Section 8 are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of Argo Group, both during and after the termination of his employment.

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(ii)
	
If, during the Executive’s employment, the Executive creates any work of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression that is the subject matter of copyright (such as video tapes, written presentations, or acquisitions, computer programs, e-mail, voice mail, electronic data bases, drawings, maps, architectural renditions, models, manuals, brochures or the like) relating to Company Group’s business, products or services, whether such work is created solely by the Executive or jointly with others (whether during business hours or otherwise and whether on Argo Group’s premises or otherwise), Company Group shall be deemed the author of such work if the work is prepared by the Executive in the scope of the Executive’s employment.

	
 
	
(c)
	
Confidential Information.

	
 
	
(i)
	
Executive understands and agrees that all records, whether original, duplicated, computerized, memorized, handwritten, or in any other form, and all information contained therein, relating to the past, current or prospective business of Argo Group, and/or relating to Customers and/or Prospective Customers, that provide Argo Group with a competitive advantage and that are not known to the general public are proprietary, confidential and constitute trade secrets, regardless of whether such records or information were generated and/or obtained by Executive, Argo Group, and/or a third party, including without limitation: (a) Customer and Prospective Customer information such as contact information, account or policy information, purchasing information, insurance and/or reinsurance needs, underwriting, financial and pricing information; (b) any plans, formulas, products, trade secrets, sales, marketing, merchandising or underwriting information or strategies, product information, or confidential material or information and instructions, technical or otherwise, issued or published for the use of Argo Group; and (c) any information concerning the present or future business, processes, or methods or manner of operation of Argo Group, accomplishing the business undertaken by Argo Group, or concerning improvement, inventions or know how relating to the same or any part thereof (collectively, “Confidential Information”).  

	
 
	
(ii)
	
Executive acknowledges that, during his employment, Executive will occupy a position of trust and confidence as regards Company Group and therefore agrees that he shall treat as confidential and, except as expressly required in the performance of Executive’s duties under this Agreement, shall not use for Executive’s own benefit or disclose (or permit or cause the disclosure of) to any Person, directly or indirectly, any Confidential Information unless such use or disclosure has been specifically authorized in writing by Company Group in advance.  It is the intent of Company Group, with which intent Executive hereby agrees, to restrict Executive from disseminating or using for Executive’s own benefit any information 

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belonging directly or indirectly to Argo Group that is unpublished, not readily available to the general public and that could be detrimental to Argo Group if so used or disclosed.  

	
 
	
(iii)
	
Executive understands that Confidential Information is entrusted to Executive solely due to Executive’s affiliation with Argo Group.  Confidential Information is extremely valuable to Argo Group and Executive acknowledges, understands and agrees Argo Group takes reasonable measures to maintain its confidentiality and to guard its secrecy.  This information is developed and acquired by expenditures of time, effort and money and provides Argo Group with a competitive advantage.  Executive agrees that Confidential Information is the property of Argo Group and is deserving of trade secret status and protection.

	
 
	
(iv)
	
Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive (or Executive’s heirs or personal representatives) shall immediately deliver to the Company: (i) all documents and materials containing Confidential Information (including without limitation any copies, summaries or computerized or electronic versions thereof); (ii) all documents and materials which otherwise contain information relating to the business and affairs of Argo Group (whether or not confidential); and (iii) all other documents, materials and other property belonging to Argo Group that are in the possession or under the control of Executive.  Executive shall permit Argo Group to inspect, prior to removal, any and all materials to be taken from Argo Group’s offices and shall surrender and provide to Argo Group any Argo Group-owned electronic device (including but not limited to any computer, handheld device, mobile telephone or similar device) used to conduct business while employed by Company for the purpose of inspecting such device and removing all Confidential Information.

	
 
	
(v)
	
In the event that Executive becomes legally compelled to disclose any Confidential Information, Executive shall provide the Company prompt notice before such Confidential Information is disclosed so that the Company may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy and/or waive compliance with the provisions of this Agreement.  Executive will exercise Executive’s best efforts to assist the Company in obtaining such a protective order or other appropriate remedy.  In the event that such protective order or other remedy is not obtained, Executive will furnish only that portion of the Confidential Information which Executive is advised by written reasonable opinion of counsel is legally required.  

	
 
	
(vi)
	
All information, ideas, concepts, improvements, discoveries, and inventions, whether patentable or not, that are conceived, made, developed or acquired by Executive, individually or in conjunction with others, during Executive’s employment with the Company (whether during 

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business hours or otherwise and whether on the premises of Argo Group or otherwise) that relate to the business, products or services of Company Group shall be disclosed to the Board and are and shall be the sole and exclusive property of Company Group.  Moreover, all documents, drawings, memoranda, notes, records, files, correspondence, manuals, models, specifications, computer programs, e-mail, voice mail, electronic data bases, maps and all other writings and materials of any type embodying any such information, ideas, concepts, improvements, discoveries and inventions are and shall be the sole and exclusive property of Company Group.  Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive promptly shall deliver the same, and all copies thereof, to Company Group.

	
 
	
(d)
	
Restrictive Covenant.  Other than for or on behalf of Argo Group, Executive agrees that Executive shall not (whether by Executive, through Executive’s employers or employees or agents or otherwise, and whether on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of any other person, firm, company or other organization) during Executive’s employment with the Company and for the period of 12 months after Executive ceases to be employed by the Company, directly or indirectly:

	
 
	
(i)
	
contact or solicit any Customer or Prospective Customer with respect to Restricted Services, or endeavor to entice away from Company Group any Customer or Prospective Customer;

	
 
	
(ii)
	
accept orders or facilitate the acceptance of any orders, or have any business dealings for, Restricted Services from any Customer or Prospective Customer;

	
 
	
(iii)
	
contact, solicit or induce, or endeavor to solicit or induce any Restricted Employee to cease working for or providing services to Argo Group, or hire any Restricted Employee;

	
 
	
(iv)
	
employ or otherwise engage for the purpose of researching into, developing, distributing, selling, supplying or otherwise dealing with Restricted Services, any Person who is or was employed or engaged by Company Group and who, by reason of such employment or engagement, is reasonably likely to be in possession of any Argo Group trade secrets or Confidential Information.

	
 
	
(e)
	
Non-Competition Requirement(s).  Executive agrees that, during Executive’s employment with the Company, other than for or on behalf of Argo Group, Executive shall not (whether by himself, through his employers or employees or agents or otherwise, and whether on his own behalf or on behalf of any other Person), directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, control, make loans or advances to, be employed by, act as an officer, director, agent or consultant for, or 

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be in any other way connected with or provide services to or for, any Person: (a) engaged in the property and/or casualty insurance and/or reinsurance business; and/or (b) that offers products or services competitive with the products or services offered by Argo Group, or that otherwise competes with Argo Group (“Non-Competition Requirement”).

Executive further agrees that he shall not (whether by himself, through his employers or employees or agents or otherwise, and whether on his own behalf or on behalf of any other Person), directly or indirectly, for a period of 6 months after Executive ceases to be employed by the Company, own, manage, operate, control, make loans or advances to, be employed by, act as an officer, director, agent or consultant for, or be in any other way connected with or provide services to or for, any Person in the business of researching, developing, underwriting, distributing, selling, supplying, or otherwise dealing with Restricted Services in the Restricted Area (“Post-Employment Non-Competition Requirement”).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties agree it shall not be a violation of this Section 8(e) in the event that Executive holds less than 2% of the outstanding voting shares of any publicly held company.

	
 
	
(f)
	
Executive agrees that during the 12 months following the date of termination of his employment, Executive shall inform the Company, prior to the acceptance of any job or any work as an independent contractor, of the identity of any new employer or other entity to which Executive plans to provide consulting or other services, along with Executive’s starting date, title, job description and any other information which the Company may reasonably request to confirm Executive’s compliance with the terms of this Agreement.

	
 
	
(g)
	
This Section 8 shall be for the benefit of Argo Group and the Company reserves the right to assign the benefit of such provisions to any entity within Argo Group.  The obligations undertaken by the Executive pursuant to this Section 8 shall, with respect to each entity within Company Group, constitute separate and distinct obligations and covenants and the invalidity or unenforceability of any such obligation or covenant shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the obligations or covenants in favor of any other entity within Company Group.  

	
 
	
(h)
	
Section 8 shall survive the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company and the termination or expiration of this Agreement for any reason.  

	
 
	
(i)
	
While the restrictions and obligations in Section 8 (on which the Executive has had the opportunity to take independent advice, as the Executive hereby acknowledges) are considered by the parties to be reasonable in all circumstances, if any portion(s) of Section 8 shall be adjudged to be illegal, void, unenforceable, overly broad (including as to time, scope or geography) or otherwise beyond what is reasonable in all the circumstances for the protection of the legitimate interests of Argo Group, any such portion(s) of Section 8 shall be reformed to ensure the enforceability of Section 8 to the fullest extent possible or if reformation of such 

14

 

	
 
		
portion(s) is deemed impossible then such portions of Section 8 shall be severed from this Agreement, but the remainder of Section 8 of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. 

	
9.
	
Remedies for Breach. In addition to the rights and remedies otherwise provided in this Agreement, and without waiving the same, if Executive breaches, or threatens to breach, any of the provisions of Section 8, Executive agrees that the Company shall have the following rights and remedies, in addition to any others, each of which shall be independent of the other and severally enforceable: 

 

	
 
	
(a)
	
The right and remedy to have such provisions specifically enforced by a court and/or arbitrator(s) having equitable jurisdiction.  Executive specifically acknowledges and agrees that any breach or threatened breach of the provisions of Section 8 hereof will cause substantial irreparable injury to Argo Group and that money damages will not provide an adequate remedy to Argo Group, and that Argo Group will be entitled to appropriate equitable relief, including but not limited to a temporary restraining order or temporary or permanent injunctive relief.  Such equitable relief shall be available without posting of any bond or other security. 

 

	
 
	
(b)
	
The right to require Executive to account for and pay over to Company all compensation, profits, monies, accruals, increments or other benefits (hereinafter collectively the “Benefits”) derived or received by the Executive as a result of any conduct, activities, transactions and/or other provision of services constituting a breach of any of the provisions of Section 8. 
	
 

 

	
 
	
(c)
	
Upon discovery by Company of a breach or threatened breach of Section 8, the right to immediately suspend any payments or benefits to Executive under Sections 3, 7 or 8 pending a resolution of the dispute. 

 

	
 
	
(d)
	
The right to terminate Executive's employment for Cause pursuant to Section 6(c). 

 

	
 
	
(e)
	
If Executive is determined to have breached any provisions of Section 8, the court or arbitrator shall extend the effect of those provisions of the Section for an amount of time equal to the time Executive was in breach thereof.

 

	
10.
	
Change of Control

 

	
 
	
(i)
	
For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” shall be deemed to occur if:

	
 
	
(i)
	
Any Person, other than (1) the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (2) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its Affiliates, (3) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or 

15

 

	
 
		
(4) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company, is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such person any securities acquired directly from the Company or its Affiliates) representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities, or 50% or more of the then outstanding common stock of the Company, excluding any Person who becomes such a Beneficial Owner in connection with a merger or consolidation of the Company described in (ii) below. 

	
 
	
(ii)
	
There is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company with any other corporation, except if: (A) the merger or consolidation would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or any parent thereof) at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity or any parent thereof outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; or (B) the merger or consolidation is effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no Person is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such Person any securities acquired directly from the Company or its Affiliates other than in connection with the acquisition by the Company or its Affiliates of a business) representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; 

	
 
	
(iii)
	
The shareholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all the Company’s assets, other than a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity, at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale.

	
 
	
(iv)
	
During any two-year period, individuals who at the beginning of the period constitute the Board of Directors of the Company cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors. 

16

 

	
 
	
(j)
	
For purposes of this Section 10:

	
 
	
(i)
	
The term “Person” shall have the meaning given in Section 3(a)(9) of the 1934 Act as modified and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the 1934 Act.

	
 
	
(ii)
	
The term “Beneficial Owner” shall have the meaning provided in Rule 13d-3 under the 1934 Act.

	
 
	
(iii)
	
The term “Affiliate” means, with respect to any individual or a corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company, joint stock company, government (or an agency or political subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind (each a “person”), any other person that directly or indirectly controls or is controlled by or under common control with such person.  For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to any person, means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms of “affiliated”, “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlated to the foregoing.

	
11.
	
Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement is personal in its nature and Executive cannot assign it without Company’s written consent.  Company may assign this Agreement to any successor in interest and/or to Argo Group. 

 

	
12.
	
Notices.  Any notice required or permitted to be given to Executive pursuant to this Agreement shall be sufficiently given if sent to Executive by registered or certified mail addressed to Executive at Executive’s home address as reflected in the Company's records at the time of such notice, or at such other address as Executive shall designate by written notice to the Company, and any notice required or permitted to be given to the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall be sufficiently given if sent to the Company by registered or certified mail addressed to it at 175 E. Houston Street, Suite 1300, San Antonio, Texas 78205, or at such other address as it shall designate by notice to Executive. 

 

	
13.
	
Invalid Provisions.  The invalidity or unenforceability of a particular provision of this Agreement shall not affect the enforceability of any other provisions hereof and this Agreement shall be construed in all respects as if such invalid or unenforceable provision were omitted. 

 

	
14.
	
Amendment.  This Agreement may only be amended in writing by an agreement executed by both parties hereto. 
	
 

 

17

 

	
15.
	
Entire Agreement.  This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties regarding the subject matter contained herein and supersedes any and all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, as well as the negotiations between said parties.  

 

	
16.
	
Arbitration.  

	
 
	
(a)
	
Any claim or controversy arising between Executive and the Company and/or Argo Group, shall be settled by final and binding arbitration in New York, New York.  

	
 
	
(b)
	
Disputes that must be arbitrated under this Agreement shall include all statutory, contractual, and common law claims and controversies between Executive and Argo Group including, without limitation, controversies concerning the construction, performance or breach of this Agreement or any other agreement between the Company and Executive, whether entered into prior, on or subsequent to the date hereof, claims arising out of or relating to Executive’s hiring, employment, or termination of employment, and claims of workplace discrimination, harassment and retaliation.  Workers’ compensation claims (except any claim asserted pursuant to Tex. Labor Code §451 or any successor provision), claims for unemployment benefits and claims based upon any Company’s benefit plans containing a different final and binding dispute procedure are excluded from arbitration.

	
 
	
(c)
	
This Section 16 and any arbitration hereunder are subject to and controlled by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §1, et seq. (“FAA”).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties agree that all questions of arbitrability will be submitted to the arbitrator.  Additionally, in the event that the FAA is deemed not to apply, the parties agree that any review of the arbitration award shall be strictly limited to the bases provided for under the FAA.  

	
 
	
(d)
	
Submission to arbitration pursuant to this Section 16 may be compelled by any court located in New York, New York.  The parties agree to submit to exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the courts in the state and county of New York for purpose of this Subsection 16(d).  

	
 
	
(e)
	
Any party may, without waiving any other rights and remedies under this Agreement, apply to any court located in  the state and county of New York, to seek any interim or preliminary injunctive relief that is necessary to protect the rights or property of that party, pending the arbitrator’s award or resolution of the controversy.  The parties agree to submit to exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the courts in  the state and county of New York for purpose of this Subsection 16(e).  

 

18

 

	
 
	
(f)
	
The arbitration proceedings under this Section 16 shall be before a panel of three arbitrators and conducted in accordance with the American Arbitration Association’s (AAA) National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes in effect at the time the demand for arbitration is made, which are incorporated herein and are available through the AAA’s website (http://www.adr.org) or the Company’s Human Resource Department, except to the extent they conflict with the specific provisions of this Agreement.  

 

	
 
	
(g)
	
The arbitrator may award reasonable attorneys’ fees to the prevailing party if such an award would be permitted under the law governing the claim(s) involved.  

	
 
	
(h)
	
The arbitration award may be specifically enforced by any party in any court of competent jurisdiction.

	
 
	
(i)
	
The parties acknowledge, understand and agree that:

	
 
	
(i)
	
Each party has had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel regarding this Section 16;

	
 
	
(ii)
	
 By agreeing to arbitrate, the parties give up their rights to sue each other in a court of law and to have a trial by jury; 

	
 
	
(iii)
	
Arbitration awards are final and binding and a parties’ ability to have a court reverse or modify an arbitration award is very limited, as envisioned by and provided for in the FAA;

	
 
	
(iv)
	
The ability of the parties to conduct discovery (e.g., the ability of the parties to obtain documents, interrogatory answers and witness statements) is within the discretion of the arbitrator and may be more limited than and different from discovery in court proceedings;

	
 
	
(v)
	
The arbitrator’s award is not required to include factual findings or legal reasoning or otherwise explain the bases for the award;

	
 
	
(vi)
	
The time limits for bringing a claim and other proceedings in arbitration may be different from the time limits imposed by courts; 

	
 
	
(vii)
	
Each party may be represented by an attorney during the arbitration proceedings;  

	
 
	
(viii)
	
Executive is still protected by all applicable employment laws, and does not give up any substantive rights to recover damages; and

	
 
	
(ix)
	
This Section 16 survives the termination of Executive’s employment and the termination or expiration of this Agreement for any reason.

19

 

	
17.
	
Applicable Law. This Agreement is entered into under, and shall be governed for all purposes, by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflicts of law principles. 

 

	
18.
	
Jurisdiction and Venue.  The parties agree that any dispute between the parties that is determined to be not subject to arbitration pursuant to Section 15 shall be subject to exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the Southern District of New York.  

 

	
19.
	
No Waiver. Company’s or Executive’s failure at any time to give notice of any breach by the other party of, or to require compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. 

 

	
20.
	
Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is adjudged to be invalid or unenforceable, then the invalidity or unenforceability of that provision shall not affect the validity or unenforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, and the provision shall be reformed to the fullest extent possible or if reformation of such provision is deemed impossible such provision shall be severed from this Agreement, but the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

 

	
21.
	
Section 409A Compliance. This Agreement is intended to meet the requirements of Section 409A, and shall be interpreted and construed consistent with that intent. 

 

	
22.
	
Withholding of Taxes and Other Executive Deductions. Company may withhold from any benefits and payments made pursuant to this Agreement all federal, state, city and other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling and any and all other normal Executive deductions made with respect to the Company’s Executives generally. 

 

	
23.
	
Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one in the same agreement. 

 

 

20

 

EXECUTIVE UNDERSTANDS, ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 16, THIS AGREEMENT IS SUBJECT TO MANDATORY ARBITRATION AND THAT EXECUTIVE IS AGREEING IN ADVANCE TO ARBITRATE ANY CONTROVERSIES WHICH ARISE WITH ARGO GROUP IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OUTLINED THEREIN.

 

In witness whereof, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year written above.

 

	
COMPANY
	
 
	
 
	
EXECUTIVE:

	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 

	
By:
	
/s/ Mark E. Watson
	
 
	
 
	
/s/ Jose Hernandez

	
 
	
Mark E. Watson III
	
 
	
 
	
Jose Hernandez

	
Title:
	
Chief Executive Officer
	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd,
	
 
	
 
	
 

 

21

 

EXHIBIT A

GENERAL RELEASE

 

Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. (“Company”) and I, Jose Hernandez, agree as follows:

 

I.  Complete Release

 

	
A.
	
In General: Pursuant to the requirements of Section 7 of my Executive Employment Agreement with the Company dated October 1, 2016 (the “Executive Employment Agreement”), and as consideration for the termination benefits contained therein, I hereby agree to irrevocably and unconditionally release any and all Claims I may now have against the Company and other parties as set forth in this Section I.

 

	
B.
	
Released Parties:  The Released Parties are the “Argo Group” entities, as defined in the Executive Employment Agreement, which include the Company and all of its subsidiary holding and operating companies , and, with respect to each of them, their predecessors and successors; and, with respect to each such entity, all of its past, present and future employees, officers, directors, stockholders, owners, representatives, assigns, attorneys, agents, insurers, employee benefit programs (and the trustees, administrators, fiduciaries, and insurers of such programs); and any other persons acting by, through, under or in concert with any of the persons or entities listed in this subsection (the “Released Parties” and each a “Released Party”).

 

	
C.
	
Claims Released:  I understand and agree that I am releasing all known and unknown claims, demands, promises, causes of action and rights of any type that I may have had or currently have (the “Claims”) against each and every Released Party based on, relating to, or arising out of any fact, act, omission, event, conduct, representation, agreement or other matter whatsoever, except that I am not releasing any claim to enforce:  (i) this Agreement; (ii) any right, if any, to claim government-provided unemployment benefits; or (iii) any rights or claims that wholly arise or accrue after I sign this Agreement.  I further understand that the Claims I am releasing may arise under many different laws (including statutes, regulations, other administrative guidance and common law doctrines) including but by no means limited to:

 

	
 
	
1.
	
Anti-discrimination statutes, such as the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”), the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (“OWBPA”), and Executive Order 11141, which prohibit age discrimination in employment; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, and Executive Order 11246, which prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, or sex; the Equal Pay Act, which prohibits paying men and women unequal pay for equal work; the Americans With Disabilities Act and Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibit discrimination based on disability; and any other federal, state or local laws prohibiting employment or wage discrimination.

 

22

 

	
 
	
2.
	
Federal employment statutes, such as the WARN Act, which requires that advance notice be given of certain work force reductions; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, which, among other things, protects employee benefits; the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 and laws which regulate wage and hour matters; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, which requires employers to provide leaves of absence under certain circumstances; and any other federal laws relating to employment, such as veterans’ reemployment rights laws.

 

	
 
	
3.
	
Other laws, such as any federal, state or local laws providing workers’ compensation benefits (or prohibiting workers’ compensation retaliation), restricting an employer’s right to terminate employees or otherwise regulating employment; any federal, state or local law enforcing express or implied employment contracts or requiring an employer to deal with employees fairly or in good faith.

 

	
 
	
4.
	
Tort and contract claims, such as claims for wrongful discharge, negligence, negligent hiring, negligent supervision, negligent retention, physical or personal injury, emotional distress, fraud, fraud in the inducement, negligent misrepresentation, defamation, invasion of privacy, interference with contract or with prospective economic advantage, breach of express or implied contract, breach of covenants of good faith and fair dealing, promissory estoppel, and similar or related claims.

 

	
 
	
5.
	
Examples of released Claims include, but are not limited to:  (i) Claims that in any way relate to my employment with the Company or any other Released Party, or the termination of that employment, such as Claims for compensation, bonuses, commissions, lost wages or unused accrued vacation or sick pay; (ii) Claims that in any way relate to the design or administration of any employee benefit program; (iii) Claims that I have irrevocable or vested rights to severance or similar benefits or to post-employment health or group insurance benefits; or (iv) any Claims to attorneys’ fees or other indemnities.

 

	
D.
	
Unknown Claims:  I understand that I am releasing Claims about which I may be unaware.  That is my knowing and voluntary intent, even though I recognize that someday I might learn that some or all of the facts I currently believe to be true are untrue or learn of facts or other matters about which I now am unaware, and even though I might then regret having signed this Release.  Nevertheless, I am assuming that risk and I agree that this Agreement shall remain effective in all respects in any such case.  I expressly waive all rights I might have under any law that is intended to protect me from waiving unknown claims.  I understand the significance of doing so.  

 

23

 

II. Promises, Warranties, And Representations

 

	
A.
	
Employment Termination:  I understand and agree that my employment with the Company terminated on ____________________.  I also understand and agree that I have no right of rehire or reinstatement with any Released Party, regardless of location, and that each and every Released Party is under no obligation to rehire or reinstate me.  I also acknowledge and understand that the failure of a Released Party to rehire or reinstate me is contractual and is in no way discriminatory or retaliatory in nature.

 

	
B.
	
Pursuit of Released Claims:  I affirm that I have not filed, have not caused to be filed, and am not presently party to, any actions, grievances, arbitrations, complaints, claims or other legal proceedings against or relating to any Released Party in any forum.  To the extent permitted by law, I agree not to, directly or indirectly, file, initiate, encourage, aid or assist in any investigations, actions, grievances, arbitrations, complaints, claims or other legal proceedings against or relating to any Released Party.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, I understand that nothing in this General Release prohibits me from: (i) challenging the knowing and voluntary nature of the release of ADEA claims pursuant to the OWBPA; or (ii) making or asserting: (A) any claim or right which cannot be waived under applicable law, including but not limited to the right to file a charge with, provide information to or participate in an investigation or proceeding conducted by the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other federal, local or state governmental agency charged with enforcing anti-discrimination laws, or the National Labor Relations Board; (B) any right I have to any payments pursuant to Section 7(b) of the Executive Employment Agreement; (C) any right I have to accrued benefits (within the meaning of Sections 203 and 204 of the Employee Retirement Income Securities Act of 1974, as amended); and (D) any rights I have or claims that may arise after the date this General Release is executed.  I further agree and covenant that should any person, entity, organization, federal, state or local governmental agency institute an investigation, action, grievance, arbitration, complaint, claim or other legal proceeding involving any matter encompassed by the release set forth in Section 1, I shall not be entitled to recover and expressly waive any right to seek, accept or recover any monetary relief or other individual remedies. 

 

	
C.
	
Execution of this Agreement:  I understand and agree that, but for my execution of this General Release and the fulfillment of the promises contained therein, I would not be entitled to receive the benefit continuation coverage described in Section 7(a)(iii) of the Executive Employment Agreement or severance pay described in Section 7(b) of the Executive Employment Agreement.  

 

	
D.
	
Company Property:  Before accepting any monetary payments from the Company, I promise to comply with my obligation under Sections 8(c)(iv) and 8(c)(vi) of the Executive Employment Agreement.

 

24

 

	
E.
	
Taxes:  I am responsible for paying any taxes on amounts I receive because I signed this Release.  I agree that the Company may withhold all taxes it determines it is legally required to withhold. 

 

	
F.
	
Ownership of Claims:  I have not assigned or transferred any Claim I am releasing, nor have I purported to do so.  In addition to any other remedies, rights or defenses that may be available to the Released Parties by virtue of this General Release or my breach hereof, I will pay the reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs, expenses and any damages the Released Parties incur as a result of my breach of this representation or if this representation was false when made.  

 

	
G.
	
Implementation:  I agree to sign any documents and do anything else that is necessary in the future to implement this Agreement.

 

III. Miscellaneous

 

	
A.
	
Entire Agreement:  This is the entire agreement between me and the Company with respect to my release of Claims against the Company.  This Agreement may not be modified or canceled in any manner except by a writing signed by both me and an authorized Company official.  I acknowledge that I have not relied on any representations, promises, or agreements of any kind made to me in connection with my decision to accept this General Release, except for those set forth in this General Release and my Executive Employment Agreement.

 

	
B.
	
Successors:  This Agreement binds and inures to the benefit of the parties’ heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors and assigns, and will inure to the benefit of all Released Parties and their respective heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors and assigns.

 

	
C.
	
Interpretation:  This Agreement shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning.  It shall not be construed strictly for or against me or any Released Party.  Unless the context indicates otherwise, the singular or plural number shall be deemed to include the other.  Captions are intended solely for convenience of reference and shall not be used in the interpretation of this Release.  

 

25

 

	
D.
	
Governing Law, Mandatory Arbitration and Venue:  This Agreement is entered into under, and shall be governed for all purposes, by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflicts of law principles.  Any claim or controversy arising between Executive and the Company and/or Argo Group, shall be settled by final and binding arbitration in New York, New York pursuant to Section 16 of the Executive Employment Agreement, which is incorporated by reference herein.  I acknowledge and agree that I have read Section 16 of the Executive Employment Agreement and understand that it contains a mandatory arbitration provision and that I am agreeing in advance to arbitrate any controversies which arise in connection with this General Release and my Executive Employment Agreement.  I agree that any dispute between the parties that is determined to be not subject to arbitration pursuant to Section 16 shall be subject to exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the Southern District of New York.  

 

IV.  Notice, Time for Consideration and Revocation Period

 

	
A.
	
THE GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT CONSTITUTES A RELEASE OF ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ALL CLAIMS FOR AGE DISCRIMINATION UNDER THE AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT AND ANY SIMILAR STATE LAWS.  THIS GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT WAIVE RIGHTS OR CLAIMS THAT MAY ARISE AFTER THE DATE IT IS EXECUTED; 

 

	
B.
	
I AGREE THAT I AM WAIVING RIGHTS AND CLAIMS I MAY HAVE IN EXCHANGE FOR CONSIDERATION WHICH IS IN ADDITION TO THINGS OF VALUE TO WHICH I MAY ALREADY BE ENTITLED;

 

	
C.
	
I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT I HAVE THE RIGHT TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY OF MY CHOOSING PRIOR TO EXECUTING THIS GENERAL RELEASE;

 

	
D.
	
IF TERMINATED AS PART OF A TERMINATION OR EXIT INCENTIVE PROGRAM OFFERED TO A GROUP OR CLASS OF EMPLOYEES, I ACKNOWLEDGE i) THAT I HAVE AT LEAST FORTY-FIVE (45) DAYS WITHIN WHICH TO CONSIDER THIS GENERAL RELEASE BEFORE EXECUTING IT; AND ii) THAT I HAVE RECEIVED WRITTEN NOTICE FROM THE COMPANY WHICH INFORMS ME OF THE i) CLASS, UNIT, OR GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS COVERED BY THE PROGRAM, ii) ANY ELIGIBILITY FACTORS FOR SUCH PROGRAM, iii) ANY TIME LIMITS APPLICABLE TO SUCH PROGRAM, AND iv) THE JOB TITLES AND AGES OF ALL INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE AND ARE NOT ELIGIBLE OR SELECTED FOR THE PROGRAM.

 

	
E.
	
I UNDERSTAND THAT IN THE EVENT THAT I AM FORTY (40) YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AT THE TIME OF TERMINATION, I WILL HAVE AT LEAST TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS WITHIN WHICH TO CONSIDER THIS GENERAL RELEASE BEFORE EXECUTING IT; AND

26

 

 

	
F.
	
I UNDERSTAND THAT SHOULD THE PROVISIONS OF (D) AND (E) ABOVE NOT OTHERWISE APPLY, I HAVE SEVEN (7) DAYS FOLLOWING MY EXECUTION OF THIS GENERAL RELEASE TO REVOKE IT BY DELIVERING WRITTEN NOTICE OF SUCH REVOCATION TO THE COMPANY AND THAT THE GENERAL RELEASE SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL THE  REVOCATION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED.

 

Executed on this __________ day of _________________, 20___.

 

	
Jose Hernandez

 

Executed on this __________ day of _________________, 20___.

 

	
ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

	
 

	
By:
	
 

	
 
	
 

	
Title:
	
 

 

27Exhibit

Exhibit 10.01

Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation & Severance Benefit Agreement

This Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation & Severance Benefit Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into this ___ day of ________, 20__ between Choice Hotels International, Inc. (“Choice”), a Delaware corporation with principal offices at 1 Choice Hotels Circle, Rockville, Maryland 20850, and ______________ (“Employee”).

Recitals

A.  Employee is a management-level employee of Choice and/or a subsidiary of Choice (collectively, “Choice”);

B.  Choice devotes significant time, resources and effort to the training and advancement of its management employees, and its management team constitutes a significant asset and important competitive edge;  

C.  Choice has determined that it is in the best interest of the company and its shareholders to enter into an agreement with Employee whereby Employee agrees to certain non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality restrictions in consideration of, among other things, certain severance benefits.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises contained in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree to the following terms:
 
1.  Definitions.  As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the ascribed meaning:
(a) “Board” means the Board of Directors of Choice.
(b)  “Cause” means any one or more of the following, whether occurring before or after the date hereof: (i) Employee’s deliberate and continued refusal to carry out duties and instructions of the Board and CEO consistent with the position following notice by Choice and a five business days cure period; (ii)  Employee’s commission of an act materially detrimental to the financial condition, operations and/or goodwill of Choice; (iii) Employee’s gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of duties to Choice; (iv) Employee’s commission of any act of theft, fraud, dishonesty, breach of trust or breach of fiduciary duty involving Choice; (v) Employee’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude, fraud or embezzlement; (vi) any breach by Employee of the covenants contained in this Agreement, or (vii) the material violation by Employee of any Choice policy or any statutory or common law duty to Choice.
(c)  “Change in Control” means the happening of the earliest of the following to occur:
(i)Any “person” as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (other than (i) Choice, (ii) any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of Choice, (iii) any corporations owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of 

1

Choice in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock, or (iv) any Existing Shareholder) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of Choice representing 33% or more of the combined voting power of Choice’s then outstanding voting securities. An “Existing Stockholder” means:
(A)  (i) Stewart Bainum, his wife, all the lineal descendents of Stewart Bainum, his wife, their lineal descendants, and their spouses (so long as they remain spouses) and adopted children of such descendents; (ii) all trusts for the benefit of any persons described in clause (i) and trustees of such trusts;  (iii) all legal representatives of any person or trust described in clauses (i) and (ii); and (iv) all partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies or other entities controlled by the persons described in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) (such persons referred to in this clause (A) collectively, “Bainum Affiliates”); and
(B) any other stockholder of Choice which, together with such stockholder’s affiliates, owns more than 5% of the common stock of Choice Hotels International, Inc. as of the date of this Agreement so long as the Bainum Affiliates continue to own more common stock of Choice Hotels International, Inc. than such stockholder.  
(ii)    Individuals constituting the Board on the date of this Agreement and the successors of such individuals (“Continuing Directors”) cease to constitute a majority of the Board.  For this purpose, a director shall be a successor if and only if he or she was nominated by a Board (or a Nominating Committee thereof) on which individuals constituting the Board on the date of this Agreement and their successors (determined by prior application of this sentence) constituted a majority.
(iii)    The stockholders of Choice approve a plan of merger or consolidation (“Combination”) with any other corporation or legal person, other than a Combination which would result in stockholders of Choice immediately prior to the Combination owning, immediately thereafter, more than sixty-five percent (65%) of the combined voting power of either the surviving entity or the entity owning directly or indirectly all of the common stock, or its equivalent, of the surviving entity; provided, however, that if stockholder approval is not required for such Combination, the Change in Control shall occur upon the consummation of such Combination.
(iv)    The stockholders of Choice approve a plan of complete liquidation of Choice or an agreement for the sale or disposition by Choice of all or substantially all of Choice’s stock and/or assets, or accept a tender offer for substantially all of Choice’s stock (or any transaction having a similar effect); provided, however, that if stockholder approval is not required for such transaction, the Change in Control shall occur upon consummation of such transaction.

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(d)  “Change in Control Termination” means and includes the termination of Employee’s employment with Choice at any time during the twelve (12) month period after a Change in Control if such termination is (i) by Choice for any reason other than Cause, (ii) by Employee for Good Reason.
(e)  “Competing Business” means any business or enterprise that: (i) is engaged in the mid-market or economy hotel franchising business, (ii) competes in the same upscale, select service segment as Cambria Hotels and Suites or any successor or substantially similar Choice brand, or (iii) competes in any other line of business in which Choice is materially engaged at the time of the Termination Date.
(f)  “Confidential Information” means any non-public information, in any format, relating to the business of Choice, including, but not limited to, present or prospective operating, marketing and development plans, training manuals, training policies and procedures, financial and technical information, passwords, source codes, personnel information, franchisee information, business systems, trade secrets, pricing and cost information, contact lists, strategic plans or strategies, operating data or Choice policies.

(g)  “Disability” means if Employee is unable to perform the essential functions of Employee’s position, after any legally required reasonable accommodation, for more than 180 days (whether or not consecutive) in any period of 365 consecutive days.

(h)  “Good Reason” means a voluntary termination by Employee following a material, substantial change in either Employee’s compensation or position and responsibilities, provided such termination occurs within forty-five days of the change in compensation or position.  Employee must provide Choice with at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of electing a Good Reason termination.  

(i)  “Non-Renewal” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.

 (j) “Release Agreement” means the release of claims attached as Exhibit A.

(k)  “Severance Benefits” means the benefits specified in Section 6.

(l)  “Severance Benefit Period” means the seventy (70) week period following the Termination Date.

(m)  “Termination Date” means the date the Employee’s employment with Choice ends.

(n)  “Works” means any ideas, concepts, methods of operation, processes, programs or other materials (including training manuals, policies and procedures) that Employee conceived, created, developed or wrote while employed by Choice that relate in any manner to the business of Choice. 

2.  Term.  The initial term of this Agreement shall be for a period commencing on __________ __, 20__ and will remain in effect until _________ ___, 20__. The term of this Agreement shall be automatically extended for an additional three year period on _________ __, 20__ and each subsequent three year anniversary thereafter, unless and until Choice or the Employee provides written notice to the other party in accordance with Section 10 hereof not less than one hundred eighty (180) days before such date that such party is electing not to 

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extend the term of this Agreement (“Non-Renewal”). Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, if on the date of a Change in Control, the remaining term of this Agreement is less than twelve (12) months, the term of the Agreement shall be automatically extended to the end of the twelve month period following such Change in Control. References herein to the term of this Agreement shall include the initial term and any additional period for which this Agreement is extended.
3.  Confidentiality.  Employee acknowledges that Confidential Information and Works are valuable and unique assets belonging to Choice.  During employment and after the Termination Date, Employee shall not, except as required by law or by Employee’s duties for Choice and for the benefit of Choice, directly or indirectly, or cause others to, make use of or disclose to others any Confidential Information or Works.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information does not include information which was or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by Employee.  Works constitute works made for hire and in all circumstances shall be and remain the sole and exclusive property of Choice, whether or not protectable under any laws, including patent, trademark, copyright or trade secret laws.  
4.  Non-Solicitation.  During employment and for a period of seventy (70) weeks following the Termination Date, Employee agrees, except as required by Employee’s duties for Choice and for the benefit of Choice or with the prior written consent of Choice,  not to solicit or attempt to solicit, directly or indirectly, on Employee’s behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity, any person or entity who then is or who was as of the Termination Date, an employee, business partner or franchisee of Choice, or was actively solicited to have such a relationship with Choice within six (6) months prior to the Termination Date, to cease, curtail or refrain from entering into such a relationship with Choice.  Nothing in the foregoing shall be construed as preventing Employee from otherwise lawfully soliciting business from any then current or prospective business partner or franchisee that is for a line of business other than any Competing Business.
5.  Non-Competition.  During employment and for a period of seventy (70) weeks after the Termination Date, Employee will not, except as required by Employee’s duties for Choice and for the benefit of Choice, or with the prior written consent of the Board, directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, join, control, finance or participate in the ownership, management, operation, control or financing of, or be connected as an officer, director, employee, partner, principal, agent, representative, consultant or in any other capacity, or use or permit Employee’s name to be used in connection with, any business or enterprise that is engaged in a Competing Business in the U.S. or Canada; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not be construed as preventing Employee from otherwise lawfully (i) investing Employee’s assets in (A) the securities of any Competing Business that is a public company, or (B) the securities of any Competing Business that is a privately-held corporation, limited partnership, limited liability company or other business entity, if such holdings are passive investments of one percent (1%) or less of such entity’s outstanding securities or (ii) becoming an employee, agent or representative of, consultant to, or otherwise connected with, any business entity that has multiple lines of business, some of which are not a Competing Business, if Employee’s services for such entity are restricted so that Employee will provide no services or other assistance in support of, and will not otherwise be involved with, any such Competing Business conducted by such entity.

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6.  Severance Benefits.  If Employee terminates for Good Reason or is terminated by Choice for any reason other than Cause, Change in Control Termination, Disability or death and Employee executes the Release Agreement within twenty-one (21) days of the Termination Date (or forty-five (45) days if such longer review period is required by the ADEA) and has not revoked the Release Agreement as permitted therein, Choice shall provide to Employee, in consideration of Employee’s promises and covenants contained in this Agreement and the Release Agreement, a Severance Benefit equal to:
(a)  During the Severance Benefit Period, a bi-weekly payment equal to Employee’s bi-weekly base salary rate on the Termination Date, less standard deductions, payable in installments in accordance with Choice’s normal payroll practices (“Discretionary Pay”) ;
(b)  If the Termination Date occurs after June 30 in a given year, then Employee shall be eligible for full payout of the bonus for that fiscal year based on the actual attainment level for the company objectives and at a deemed 100% achievement of the individual Management Bonus Objectives. The bonus will be paid out, if at all, at such time as the other corporate officers receive their bonus.
(c)  Stock option and stock awards granted under Choice’s Long-Term Incentive Plan after the date of this Agreement shall continue to vest and be exercisable during the Severance Benefit Period. At the end of the Severance Benefit Period, vesting shall cease and Employee shall have 90 days thereafter to exercise all stock options that are vested at the end of the Severance Benefit Period.
(d)  During the Severance Benefit Period, Choice will provide Employee at its expense with its standard outplacement services for executive level employees. Upon obtaining other employment, Employee will be ineligible to continue receiving these outplacement services at Choice’s expense.
(e)  During the Severance Benefit Period, (i) Employee may continue deductions for medical, dental, and pre-tax spending accounts while receiving Discretionary Pay, and Employee consents to the customary deductions for such benefits from Discretionary Pay, and (ii) Choice will continue to pay employer contributions to Employee’s medical and dental insurance, but not pre-tax spending accounts, while Employee is receiving Discretionary Pay.  Choice will stop optional deductions for items such as retirement plans and life insurance with Employee’s last paycheck for regular hours worked through the Termination Date. Employee will be eligible to continue group health and dental  benefits at Employee’s own expense in accordance with and to the extent required by the federal COBRA law. 
7.  Re-employment.  After the Termination Date, Employee shall not be required to mitigate damages as a condition to receiving Severance Benefits, but nevertheless shall be entitled to pursue other employment as permitted by this Agreement.  If Employee chooses to pursue and accept other employment or consulting during the Severance Benefit Period, Choice shall be entitled to receive as an offset, and thereby reduce its payment under Sections 6(a) and (b), the amounts received by Employee from any other active employment.  Employee agrees to notify Choice within seven (7) days of accepting such employment by sending such notice to Choice Hotels International, 1 Choice Hotels Circle, Rockville, Maryland 20850, Attention: Vice 

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President -- Human Resources.  As a condition to Employee receiving the Severance Benefits from Choice, Employee agrees to permit verification of Employee’s employment records and Federal income tax returns by an independent attorney or accountant, selected by Choice but reasonably acceptable to Employee, who agrees to preserve the confidentiality of the information disclosed by Employee except to the extent required to permit Choice to verify the amounts received by Employee from other active employment.  Choice shall receive credit for unemployment insurance benefits, social security insurance or like amounts actually received by Employee.   

8.  Change in Control.  
(a)  If, within twelve (12) months after a Change in Control, there occurs a Change in Control Termination, Employee shall receive as severance compensation a lump sum payment in an amount equal to 200% of Employee’s base salary at the rate in effect as of the Termination Date, plus 200% of the amount of Employee’s eligible full year bonus for that fiscal year based on a 100% attainment level for the company objectives and a 100% attainment level for the individual Management Bonus Objectives.  Additionally, all unvested restricted stock, performance vested restricted stock units and stock option awards granted after the date of this Agreement and then held by Employee shall automatically become fully vested as of the date of the Change of Control Termination.
(b)  Employee’s right to receive the benefits described in Section 8(a) shall be conditioned upon Employee executing the Release Agreement. 
9.  Acknowledgments.  Employee and Choice acknowledge and agree as follows:

(a)  The restrictions contained in Sections 3, 4 and 5 are reasonable and necessary to protect and preserve the legitimate interests, properties, goodwill and business of Choice, that Choice would not have entered into this Agreement in the absence of such restrictions and that irreparable injury will be suffered by Choice should the Employee breach any of those provisions.  Employee represents and acknowledges that (i) the Employee has been advised by Choice to consult Employee’s own legal counsel at Employee’s expense prior to executing  this Agreement, and (ii) that the Employee has had full opportunity, prior to execution of this Agreement, to review thoroughly this Agreement with the Employee’s counsel.  

(b)  A breach of any of the restrictions in this Agreement cannot be adequately compensated by monetary damages and Choice shall be entitled to seek preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, without the necessity of proving actual damages, as well as any other appropriate equitable relief, which rights shall be cumulative and in addition to any other rights or remedies to which Choice may be entitled.  

(c)  In the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement should ever be adjudicated to exceed the time, geographic, service, or other limitations permitted by applicable law in any jurisdiction, it is the intention of the parties that the provision shall be amended to the extent of the maximum time, geographic, service, or other limitations permitted by applicable law, that such amendment shall apply only within the jurisdiction of the court that made such adjudication and that the provision otherwise be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law.  The invalidity of any provision of this Agreement shall not effect the validity of the remaining provisions of this Agreement.

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(d)  This Agreement supersedes and extinguishes any rights Employee may have under Choice’s standard Severance Benefit Plan.  

(e)  This Agreement shall not be construed as giving the Employee the right to be retained in the service of Choice for any definite period or otherwise to change Employee’s status as an at-will employee.

(f)  If required under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, any Severance Benefit or Change of Control payment will made six (6) months following the Termination Date.

(g)  Employee agrees that Employee is not entitled to any unemployment benefits, and, to the extent permitted by law, that Employee does not intend to seek any unemployment benefits, during the Severance Benefit Period.   Choice will not contest Employee’s claim for unemployment benefits after the Severance Benefit Period.  

10.  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 when hand delivered, sent by overnight courier, or mailed by first-class, registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or transmitted fax, addressed as follows:

If to Choice:

Choice Hotels International, Inc.
1 Choice Hotels Circle
Rockville, Maryland 20850
Attn.: General Counsel
Fax: 301-592-6206

If to the Employee:

_______________

or top such other address as either party may have furnished to the other party in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

11.  Arbitration.

(a)  In the event of any dispute or claim relating to or arising out, directly or indirectly, of Employee’s employment relationship with Choice, this Agreement, or the termination of  employment with Choice for any reason (including, but not limited to, any claims of breach of contract, tort, wrongful termination, violation of any law, or unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation), Employee and Choice agree that all such disputes shall be fully resolved by private, binding arbitration conducted by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) before a single arbitrator in Montgomery County, Maryland under the AAA’s  Employment Arbitration Rules then in effect, which rules are available online at the AAA's website at www.adr.org or by requesting a copy from Choice’s Human Resources Department. The arbitrator shall be a 

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currently licensed attorney with at least ten (10) years experience in employment law in the United States.  This arbitration provision shall apply to any and all claims asserted by Employee against Choice or any of its affiliates, and each of their respective employees, officers, agents, attorneys, owners, directors, or affiliates, and any and all claims against Employee by those entities.  

(b) The arbitrator shall permit the parties to conduct reasonable discovery and is empowered to award all remedies otherwise available in a court of competent jurisdiction and any judgment rendered by the arbitrator may be entered by any court of competent jurisdiction.  The arbitrator shall issue an award in writing and state the essential findings and conclusions on which the award is based.  This arbitration agreement shall provide the exclusive remedy of the parties to seek redress of claims, and each party knowingly and voluntarily waives the right to a trial before a judge or jury, and any right he, she, or it might have to seek redress in any other forum, except for the right to file a charge with applicable administrative agencies (including, but not limited to the National Labor Relations Board, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission or Division of Unemployment Insurance ).  If Employee still has the right to and chooses to pursue such administrative claim after exhausting all administrative remedies, such claim would be subject to arbitration under this arbitration agreement to the extent permitted by applicable law. 

(c)  In any arbitration conducted under this provision, each party will bear his, her or its own fees, expenses and costs associated with the arbitration, provided that, to the extent applicable law requires Choice to pay any of Employee’s portion of the fees, expenses and costs of the AAA and the arbitrator to make the arbitration agreement enforceable, Choice will pay or reimburse Employee for such fees, expenses and costs; and provided further, to the extent applicable law provides for the award of reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs to the prevailing party, the arbitrator may award such fees and costs.

(d) In the event any provision of this arbitration agreement is found to be unenforceable by an arbitrator or court, such provision shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to allow enforceability of the provision or deleted such that the enforceability of the remaining provisions remain unaffected.  If the court or arbitrator declines to modify this arbitration agreement to render it enforceable, the parties agree to do so. This arbitration agreement shall be interpreted and construed under the Federal Arbitration Act and the Maryland Uniform Arbitration Act.  
(e)  By agreeing to arbitration, Choice and Employee do not intend to deprive any court of its jurisdiction to issue a pre-arbitral injunction, pre-arbitral attachment, or other order in aid of arbitration proceedings and the enforcement of any award. In any such judicial action: (a) each of the parties irrevocably and unconditionally consents to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the federal or state courts located in Montgomery County, Maryland (the “Maryland Courts”) for the purpose of any pre-arbitral injunction, pre-arbitral attachment, or other order in aid of arbitration proceedings, and to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts for the enforcement of any judgment on any award; (b) each of the parties irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent they may effectively do so, any objection, including any objection to the laying of venue or based on the grounds of forum non conveniens or any right of objection to jurisdiction on account of its place of incorporation or domicile, which it may now or hereafter have to the bringing of any such action or proceeding in any Maryland Court.
12.  Miscellaneous.     

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(a)  This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties, and supersedes all other agreements, discussions or understandings concerning the subject matter.  It may be changed only by an agreement in writing signed by both parties.
  
(b)  This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Maryland. 

(c)  No failure by either party hereto at any time to give notice of any breach by the other party of, or to require compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date first set forth above.
CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

By:____________________________________

Employee:
______________________________________
__________________
EXHIBIT A
RELEASE AGREEMENT

This Release Agreement (“Release Agreement”) is made as of ___________, 20__  by ______________ ("Employee") in favor of Choice Hotels International, Inc. and its subsidiaries  (collectively "Choice").  

WHEREAS, Employee and Choice have previously entered into a Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Severance Benefit Agreement dated _________ __, 20__ (“Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, in consideration for certain covenants and benefits under the Agreement, Employee is obligated to execute this Release Agreement upon termination of employment; 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises contained in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree to the following terms:

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1.  Last Day Worked.  Employee’s employment terminated, or will terminate, on ___________, 20__ ("Termination Date").  Employee will return to Choice, no later than the close of business on the Termination Date, any Choice property, including original and copied computer hardware or software, credit cards, long distance telephone cards, and keys or passcards to Choice buildings, and all other property in Employee’s possession, custody or control.

2.   Release.  Employee agrees, in exchange for the benefits set forth in the Agreement, to irrevocably and unconditionally release Choice and its parents, subsidiaries and affiliated entities, and each of their respective officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents, representatives, insurers, attorneys, employee welfare benefit plans and pension or deferred compensation plans under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended, and their trustees, administrators and other fiduciaries; and all persons acting by, through, under or in concert with them, and each of their predecessors, successors and assigns or any of them (collectively “Choice Releasees”), of and from any and all manner of action or actions, cause or causes of action, in law or equity, suits, debts, liens, contracts, agreements, promises, liability, claims, demands, grievances, damages, loss, cost or expense, of any nature, known or unknown, fixed or contingent, which Employee now has or may later have against the Choice Releasees, or any one of them, by reason of any matter, cause, or thing from the beginning of time to the Effective Date of this Agreement, including without limitation those arising out of, based on, or relating to the hire, employment, termination, remuneration (including any severance, salary, bonus, incentive or other compensation; vacation sick leave or medical insurance benefits; or any benefits from any employee stock ownership, profit-sharing and/or any deferred compensation plan under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 ("Claims").  The Claims that Employee is releasing include, but are not limited to, a release of any rights or claims Employee may have under:

		
	•
	the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which prohibits age discrimination in employment; 

		
	•
	Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, color, national origin, religion or sex; 

		
	•
	the Civil Rights Act of 1991; 

		
	•
	the Equal Pay Act, which prohibits paying men and women unequal pay for equal work; 

		
	•
	the Americans with Disabilities Act; 

		
	•
	the Family and Medical Leave Act; 

		
	•
	and any other federal, state or local laws or regulations prohibiting employment discrimination, harassment or retaliation.  

Employee also releases any Claims for wrongful discharge or breach of contract, Claims for any personal injury or tort, Claims for any compensation, benefits, expenses, bonuses, or any other employee rights or benefits, Claims for employment or reinstatement, Claims for attorneys’ fees and costs, and all other Claims under any applicable statute, contract or other cause of action.  This Agreement covers both Claims Employee knows about and those Employee may not know about.  Employee assumes the risk of any and all unknown Claims which may exist at the time Employee signs this Agreement, and Employee agrees that this Agreement shall apply to any and all known and unknown Claims.

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3.  No Release of Rights Under Agreement.  By signing this Release Agreement, Employee does not waive or release Employee’s right to enforce the Agreement. Employee does not release claims for or rights to earned compensation, vested benefits or indemnification under Choice’s bylaws. 

4.  Lawsuits.  To the fullest extent permitted by law, Employee promises never to file a lawsuit, claim, complaint, charge, demand, administrative proceeding, agency action or any other legal proceeding (collectively “Lawsuit”) asserting any Claims that are released in this Agreement.  Employee agrees to withdraw with prejudice all Lawsuits, if any, Employee has filed against any Choice Releasee asserting any Claims with any agency or court.  Employee also waives the right to seek or receive any monetary benefits with respect to Lawsuits asserted by administrative agencies or other third parties on Employee’s behalf. Employee further agrees not to assist any other person in bringing any Lawsuit against any Choice Releasee, unless compelled to do so pursuant to a valid court order or subpoena. Employee agrees not to make any derogatory remarks or provide and disparaging information about any Choice Releasee.  Employee agrees to reasonably assist Choice in any Lawsuit arising from circumstances that took place during Employee’s employment, to the extent reasonably necessary to protect Choice’s interests.  Choice will reimburse Employee for all reasonable and necessary expenses Employee incurs in complying with the foregoing sentence, provided they are approved by Choice in writing prior to being incurred.   

5.  No Admission.  Employee agrees that this Release Agreement is not an admission of guilt or wrongdoing by the Choice Releasees, and Employee acknowledges that the Choice Releasees do not believe or admit that they have done anything wrong.  Employee acknowledges that Employee has not suffered any wrongful treatment by any Choice Releasee.

6.  Breach.  If Employee breaches this Release Agreement and files a Lawsuit against any Choice Releasee on Claims that Employee released in this Release Agreement, Employee agrees to pay for all costs incurred by the Choice Releasee, including reasonable attorneys' fees, in defending against Employee’s Lawsuit. Employee further agrees not to assist any other person in bringing any Lawsuit against any Choice Releasee, unless compelled to do so pursuant to a valid subpoena or court order.  If Employee breaches the promises in this Release Agreement, Choice may terminate all Severance Benefits under the Agreement that are still owed to Employee.

7.  Governing Law.  This Agreement is governed by Maryland law, without regard to the principles of conflicts of laws.  If a dispute arises under this Agreement, any Lawsuit must be brought exclusively in the courts for Montgomery County, Maryland.  Employee and Choice voluntarily submit to the jurisdiction and venue of said court.

8.  Binding.  Employee agrees and acknowledges this Release Agreement binds Employee’s heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors, and assigns, and will inure to the benefit of all Choice Releasees and their respective heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors, and assigns.

9.  Severability.  Any invalidity, in whole or in part, of any provision of this Release Agreement shall not affect the validity of any other of its provisions.

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10.  Period for Review and Consideration.  Employee has 21 days from the date Employee receives this Release Agreement to review and consider this document before signing it.  Employee may use as much of this 21 day period as Employee wishes before signing this Release Agreement.  Choice advises Employee to consult with an attorney at Employee’s own expense before signing this Release Agreement; whether to do so is Employee’s decision.  If Employee wishes to sign this Release Agreement and thereafter be eligible to receive the Severance Benefits under the Agreement, Employee must deliver one fully executed original of this Release Agreement, to Choice Hotels International, 1 Choice Hotels Circle, Rockville, Maryland 20850, Senior Vice President-- Human Resources, no later than the close of business on the 21st day after Employee receives this Release Agreement.  Employee’s failure to deliver timely the executed Release Agreement will nullify the Agreement, and Employee will not be entitled to receive the Severance Benefits. 

11.  Revocation of Release Agreement. Employee may revoke this Release Agreement within 7 days after signing it (the “Revocation Period”).  If Employee wishes to revoke this Release Agreement after signing it, Employee must deliver a written notice of revocation to Choice Hotels International, 1 Choice Hotels Circle, Rockville, Maryland 20850, Attention: Senior Vice President, Human Resources. Choice must receive this revocation no later than the close of business on the 7th day after Employee signs this Release Agreement.  If Employee revokes this Release Agreement, it shall not be effective or enforceable and Employee will not receive the Severance Benefits under the Agreement.]  This Agreement will not become effective or enforceable until such date that is is signed by both parties and the Revocation Period expires without Employee exercising Employee’s right of revocation (the “Effective Date”). 

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EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT EMPLOYEE HAS HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW AND CONSIDER THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT WITH AN ATTORNEY, AND THAT EMPLOYEE HAS HAD SUFFICIENT TIME TO CONSIDER IT.  AFTER SUCH CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, EMPLOYEE KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY ENTERS INTO THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT WITH FULL UNDERSTANDING OF ITS MEANING AND EFFECT.

Employee:

______________________________

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