Document:

EX-10.86

 Exhibit 10.86 
 

 
 June 12, 2015 
 Frederic
Argir 
 339 East Shore Road 
 Greenwood Lake, NY 10925 

Dear Fred, 
 It is my pleasure to confirm our offer of
employment to join Barnes & Noble, Inc. The following represents the key elements of our offer: 
  

			
	Position:	  	Vice President, Chief Digital Officer
		
	Reports to:	  	Jaime Carey — Chief Merchandising Officer
		
	Start date:	  	July 27, 2015
		
	Base salary:	  	$500,000 per annum
		
	Incentive Compensation:	  	Eligible to participate in our Incentive Compensation Plan. The target level annual bonus payment for your position is 60% of your base salary. Payments under the plan are based upon achievement of measurable objectives as defined
by the Company each fiscal year. The fiscal year period is defined as May 1st to April 30th. First year bonus guaranteed.
		
	Equity:	  	On the first business day of the month following the month in which your employment with the Company commences, you shall be granted 50,000 Restricted Stock Units of the Company in accordance with the Company’s Amended and
Restated 2009 Incentive Plan vesting over three years in three equal annual installments.
		
	Special Payment:	  	You will be paid a one-time payment of $250,000 (less withholding) on the first payroll period following your start date if you voluntarily resign or are terminated for Cause (as defined below) within (12) months of your hire date,
you agree to reimburse the Company this Special Payment.
		
	401(k) Savings Plan:	  	Eligible to contribute and to receive company matching contributions after completing 1,000 hours in a year (i.e., after approximately six months of continuous full-time service).
		
	Benefits:	  	Eligible to participate in the Barnes & Noble health and welfare programs offered after sixty (60) days of continuous employment. Plan details to follow, upon acceptance of offer of employment.
		
	Vacation:	  	4 weeks annually
		
	Deferred Compensation:	  	Eligible to participate in executive tax deferred savings plan immediately upon hire.
		
	Temporary Housing:	  	The Company will provide temporary housing for two months.

 Barnes & Nobles, Inc. 122 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 10011    212.633.3300 

			
	Severance Benefits:	  	Should your employment terminate for any reason other than your voluntary termination or for “Cause” as defined below, you will receive a severance package that will be equal to one (1) year of base salary, payable in
bi-weekly installments, less applicable taxes and withholdings.
		
		  	You understand and agree that any severance benefits provided by the Company are contingent on your executing a General Release in exchange for severance benefits at the time the severance benefits are offered.

 For purposes of this letter, “Cause” means (A) your engaging in misconduct or gross negligence which is injurious to
Company; (B) your indictment or conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction with respect to any felony or other crime or violation of law involving fraud or dishonesty (with the exception of misconduct based in good faith on the advice of
professional constants, such as attorneys and accountants), or your entry of a plea of nolo contendere with respect to any felony involving fraud or dishonesty (with the exception of misconduct based in good faith on the advice of professional
consultants, such as attorneys and accountants); (C) any gross negligence, intentional acts or intentional omissions by you, as determined by the Company in connection with the performance of the duties and responsibilities of your employment
hereunder; (D) engaging in any act of misconduct or moral turpitude, as determined by the Company; (E) abuse of or dependency on alcohol or drugs (illicit or otherwise) which adversely affects job performance; (F) failure or refusal by you to
properly perform (as determined by the Company in its reasonable discretion and judgment) the duties, responsibilities or obligations of your employment for reasons other than Disability or authorized leave, or to properly perform or follow (as
determined by the Company in its reasonable discretion and judgment) any lawful direction by the Company; or (G) breach of this Agreement or of any other duty to, written policy of, or agreement with the Company. 

You have represented, and hereby confirm, that you are not subject to any currently effective employment contract, or any other contractual or other binding
obligations pursuant to which your employment or employment activities with or on behalf of Barnes & Noble, Inc. may be subject to any restrictions, including without limitation, any agreements or other obligations or documents relating to
non-competition, confidentiality, trade secrets, proprietary information or works for hire. 
 This offer is contingent upon verification of your identity
and your ability to legally work for Barnes & Noble com in the United States. In addition, this offer is contingent upon satisfactory references and verification of your employment record, academic credentials and any certifications represented
on your employment application and/or resume. 
 If you wish to accept this offer of employment as set forth above, please sign and return the enclosed
confidentiality agreement along with an original signed copy of your offer letter. If you have any questions, please call me at your convenience at 212-633-3280. 

Fred, we are delighted with your interest in the Company and eager to have you join B&N. The challenge, opportunity, and rewards that lie ahead for the
Company are unique and incredibly exciting. I look forward to hearing from you after you have had a chance to review this offer. 
  

					
	Sincerely,	 		 	
			
	

	 		 	
	Michelle Smith	 		 	
	Vice President, Human Resources	 		 	
			
	MS/kmm	 		 	
			
	Agreed and Accepted:	 		 	
			
	

	 		 	06.25.15
	  
	 		 	  

	Frederic Argir	 		 	Date

  
 Page TwoEX-10.87

 Exhibit 10.87 

AGREEMENT REGARDING CERTAIN TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT 

This agreement is by and between Barnes & Noble, Inc. (“Company”) and Frederic Argir (“Employee”). In consideration of
the Employee being hired by the Company, the Company providing Employee access to Trade Secret, Confidential Information, and other Company Property that is necessary to perform his/her work, the payment by the Company of Employee’s
compensation and for other good and valuable consideration, the Company and Employee agree as follows: 
 1. At-Will Employment. Employee
agrees that his/her employment is at-will, which means that both Employee and the Company shall have the right to terminate such employment at any time, for any reason, with or without cause. Employee further acknowledges and agrees that this
Agreement is not intended to and does not constitute a contract or agreement between Employee and the Company providing a specified term of employment or limiting the right of either party to terminate Employee’s employment with the Company at
any time, for any reason, with or without cause. 
 2. Duty of Loyalty. Employee acknowledges that he/she owes a duty of loyalty to the
Company, which Employee acknowledges means, among other things, that while an employee of the Company, Employee must act in the best interests of the Company. Employee, therefore, agrees that, without limitation: (a) he/she shall devote his/her best
efforts and undivided time, effort and loyalty to the business of the Company, (b) he/she shall discharge all of his/her duties and responsibilities that are or may be assigned to him/her by the Company conscientiously, in good faith and to the best
of his/her ability, giving to the Company the full benefit of his/her knowledge, expertise, skill and judgment, (c) he/she shall not engage in any illegal or unethical conduct in the performance of his/her duties and responsibilities; and (d) he/she
shall not engage in any conduct that creates an actual, potential or apparent conflict between Employee’s personal interests and the Company’s interests, or which otherwise may adversely affect Employee’s judgment or ability to act in
the Company’s best interests. If Employee is uncertain whether any particular activity may violate his/her duty of loyalty, Employee agrees to notify the Company and not engage in any such conduct without the express, written consent of an
authorized representative of the Company. 
 3. Trade Secrets, Confidential Information and Company Property. Employee acknowledges that
his/her duties and responsibilities will put employee in a position of acquiring and creating Trade Secrets and Confidential Information (as those terms are defined below) concerning the Company. Employee further acknowledges that the Company is
engaged in a highly competitive business. The Company’s involvement in this business has required and continues to require the expenditure of substantial amounts of money and the use of skills developed over a long period of time. As a result
of these investments of money, skill, and time, the Company has developed and will continue to develop certain valuable Trade Secrets and Confidential Information that are particular to the Company’s business. Employee acknowledges and agrees
that the disclosure of such information to competitors of the Company or others would cause the Company to suffer substantial and irreparable harm. Employee acknowledges, therefore, that it is in the Company’s legitimate business interest to
restrict Employee’s disclosure or use of such Trade Secret and Confidential Information (and other Company Property). “Trade Secrets” means any information, formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique, process,
design, procedure or improvement that has value and is not generally known to the public or others who can obtain value from its disclosure or use. To the fullest extent consistent with the foregoing, and as otherwise permitted by law, Trade Secrets
shall include, without limitation, non-public financial information, supply and service information, marketing information, information regarding Company’s current and future products, and customer information. “Confidential
Information” means any data or information and documentation, other than Trade Secrets, but including information which has ceased to be a Trade Secret, which has value and is not generally known to the public. “Company Property”
shall mean all property and resources of the Company, including, without limitation, all Trade Secret and Confidential Information, the Company computer system and all software, e-mail and databases, telephone and facsimile services and all other
administrative or support services provided by the Company. Except as specifically required in the performance of his/her duties for the Company, Employee agrees Employee will not, during the course of employment by the Company and for so long
thereafter as the pertinent information or documentation remain Trade Secrets, Confidential Information 

  
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or Company Property, directly or indirectly use, disclose or disseminate to any other person, organization or entity or otherwise use or disclose any Trade Secrets, Confidential Information of
Company Property. The obligations set forth herein shall not apply to any Trade Secrets, Confidential Information or Company Property that have become generally known to competitors of the Company through lawful means and without violation of any
law or any agreement not to disclose Trade Secrets, Confidential Information, or Company Property. Employee agrees and acknowledges a business shall be deemed to be in competition with the Company if it is engaged in the sale or rental of books,
eBooks, eBook readers, digital content and/or related merchandise. Upon the termination for any reason of his/her employment with the Company, or at any time the Company may so request, Employee shall promptly deliver to the Company all Trade
Secret, Confidential Information, and Company Property, including all documents (whether in electronic or paper form) that relate or refer to Trade Secret, Confidential Information, or Company Property. 

4. Intellectual Property/Assignment of Inventions. “Intellectual Property” means inventions, discoveries, improvements, documented
ideas, computer programs and related documentation, and other works of authorship (“Intellectual Property”). Employee agrees to promptly disclose to the Company all Intellectual Property (including any Intellectual Property in the
formative stages) made during Employee’s employment with the Company. Furthermore, Employee agrees to disclose to the Company any Intellectual Property created during the period of one year after the termination of his/her employment with the
Company that relates to or constitutes an improvement upon the Company’s Intellectual Property. Employee also agrees to keep and maintain written records concerning such Intellectual Property and make these records available to the Company at
all times. 
 5. Employee hereby assigns and agrees to assign to the Company and its successors and assigns his/her entire right title, and interest in and
to any Intellectual Property, whether or not patentable, copyrightable, or subject to other forms of protection, made, created, developed, written, or conceived by Employee, either solely or jointly with others, during Employee’s employment
with the Company. All Intellectual Property disclosed or made by Employee within one (1) year after termination of Employee’s employment with the Company shall be deemed to be owned by the Company unless such Intellectual Property is proved to
have been conceived after termination and without the benefit of any proprietary and/or Confidential Information or Trade Secrets of the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates. Notwithstanding the above, Employee shall retain full right and title
to Intellectual Property to which all of the following conditions apply: (a) no equipment, supplies, facilities, proprietary and/or Confidential Information, Trade Secrets or Intellectual Property of the Company was used in its development; (b) it
was developed entirely on Employee’s own time; (c) it does not relate to the business of the Company or to the Company’s anticipated business or developmental programs; and (d) it does not result from any work performed by Employee for the
Company. Employee further agrees to assist the Company, or its designees, at the Company’s expense, but without additional compensation to Employee, in every proper way to secure the Company’s rights in the Intellectual Property and any
copyrights, patents, mask work rights, or other intellectual property rights relating thereto in any and all countries. Employee further agrees that his/her obligation to execute or cause to be executed any such instrument or papers will continue
after the termination of his/her employment with the Company. If the Company is unable because of Employee’s mental or physical incapacity, Employee’s refusal to comply with his/her obligations under this Agreement, or for any other
reason, to secure Employee’s signature to apply for or to pursue any application for any United States or foreign patents or copyright or trademark registrations covering Intellectual Property or original works of authorship assigned to the
Company under this Agreement or otherwise, assigned to the company, Employee does hereby irrevocably designate and appoint the Company, through its duly authorized officers and agents, as Employee’s agent and attorney in fact, to act for and on
Employee’s behalf and stead to execute and file any such applications and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the prosecution and issuance of letters patent or copyright or trademark registrations thereon with the same legal
force and effect as if executed by Employee. Employee understands that the Company may have entered into agreements with other parties which imposed obligations on the Company regarding Inventions made during the course of the work under such
agreements or regarding the confidential nature of such works, or otherwise received from third parties’ confidential or proprietary information (“Third Party Information”). Employee agrees to be bound by all such obligations of the
Company arising in connection with such Third Party Information. 

  
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 6. Non-Solicitation. During Employee’s employment with the Company, Employee will have
access to Trade Secrets, Confidential Information and/or other non-public Company Property, and Employee will develop certain relationships with and/or knowledge about current and/or prospective employees, customers, vendors, or contractor such that
if Employee were allowed to pursue relationships with the Company’s current or prospective employees, customer, vendors, or contractors, Employee would have an unfair advantage based upon confidential information and/or relationships developed.
Therefore, Employee agrees that from the date of execution of thiS Agreement until the expiration of a period of one year following the termination of Employee’s employment with the Company for any reason (the “Covered
Period”), Employee will not, directly or indirectly: (a) solicit or recruit for employment offer employment to, hire, solicit, or recruit for placement, place and/or offer to place with another company or entity – on a temporary, permanent
or contract basis, or otherwise – anyone who at any time during the Covered Period is or was employed by the Company or any of its parents, subsidiaries or affiliates (a “Covered Employee”); provided that, at the time of such
solicitation, recruitment, offer of employment, hiring, offer to place or placement, or any time during the ninety (90) day period immediately preceding same, the Covered Employee is or was an employee of the Company or any of its parents,
subsidiaries, or affiliates; (b) encourage, entice or persuade, or attempt to encourage, entice or persuade any Covered Employee to leave the Company or any of its parents, subsidiaries, or affiliates; (c) solicit or encourage (i) any customer,
vendor, or contractor of Company, (ii) any entity that had been a customer, vendor, or contractor with Company within one year preceding Employee’s termination of employment with the Company, (iii) any prospective customer, vendor, or
contractor of the Company actively solicited within one year before the termination of Employee’s employment with the Company, or (iv) any parent, subsidiary or affiliate of any of the foregoing, to void, terminate or diminish its relationship
with the Company or any of its parents, subsidiaries, or affiliates; (d) or seek to persuade (i) any customer, vendor, or contractor of the Company, (ii) any entity that had been a customer, vendor, or contractor with Company within one year
preceding Employee’s termination of employment with the Company, (iii) any prospective customer, vendor, or contractor of the Company actively solicited within one year before the termination of Employee’s employment with the Company, or
(iv) any parent, subsidiary, affiliate of any of the foregoing, to conduct with anyone else any business or activity which such customer, vendor, or contractor conducts with the Company or any of its parents, subsidiaries, or affiliates. 

7. Non-Compete. During Employee’s employment and for a period of one year following the termination of his/her employment with the Company
for any reason, Employee agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Company, he/she will not become employed, retained, or otherwise provide any services of any kind to any business that is in competition with the business of the Company.
Employee agrees and acknowledges a business shall be deemed to be in competition with the Company if it is engaged in the sale or rental of books, eBooks, eBook readers, digital content and/or related merchandise. 

8. Non-Use of Trade Secrets or Confidential Information and Full Disclosure of Existing Agreements with Prior Employers. Employee acknowledges
and represents that as an employee of the Company, Employee will not breach any invention, assignment or proprietary information or similar agreement Employee may have with any former employer or other party. Employee further acknowledges and
represents that Employee will not bring to the Company or use in the performance of his/her duties for the Company any documents or materials of any kind from a former employer or other person or entity that Employee is not legally authorized or
permitted to use and/or that are not generally available to the public. Employee also agrees that the Company has not asked him/her to use or disclose any Trade Secrets and/or Confidential Information that is confidential to any of Employee’s
prior employers. Employee also agrees that he/she is not bound by any agreement (including, without limitation, any non-compete or non-solicitation agreement) that seeks to restrict the employers or entities for or with whom Employee may work, the
customers, clients or prospects Employee may solicit or work with, or the former co-workers Employee may solicit or work with, or that Employee has provided written copies of any such agreement(s) to the Company’s management and has otherwise
fully disclosed the existence and terms of any such agreement(s) to Company’s management. 
 9. Applicable Law. The validity, performance
and enforceability of this Agreement shall be determined and governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict of law 

  
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principles. The exclusive forum for any action concerning this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be in a court of competent jurisdiction in New York County, New York, with
respect to a state court, or the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, with respect to a federal court EMPLOYEE HEREBY CONSENTS TO THE EXERCISE OF JURISDICTION OF THE COURT IN THE EXCLUSIVE FORUM SET FORTH IN THIS
AGREEMENT AND WAIVES ANY RIGHT EMPLOYEE MAY HAVE TO CHALLENGE OR CONTEST THE REMOVAL AT ANY TIME BY THE COMPANY TO FEDERAL COURT OF ANY ACTION EMPLOYEE MAY BRING AGAINST IT IN STATE COURT. EMPLOYEE AND THE COMPANY MUTUALLY WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL
BY JURY IN ANY ACTION CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT OR EMPLOYEE’S EMPLOYMENT IN GENERAL. 
 10 Successors. This Agreement shall inure to
the benefit of the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates, and the successors and assigns of each of them. 
 11. Rule of Construction. The
rule of construction to the effect that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party shall not be employed in interpreting this Agreement. The language of all parts of this Agreement shall in all cases be construed as a whole, according
to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against any of the parties. 
 12. Amendment. No term, condition, covenant representation or
acknowledgement contained in this Agreement may be amended or modified unless in writing signed by both parties, and no course of conduct shall be deemed a waiver of its provisions. 

13. Reasonable Scope of Agreement. Employee acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing agreements and restrictions are reasonable and necessary
for the protection of the Company and its business, and are not limited in time to the duration of Employee’s employment but extend after and shall survive the termination of his/her employment, irrespective of the reason for its termination.
Employee further acknowledges and agrees that the Company shall be entitled to seek an injunction or other forms of equitable relief to prevent or terminate any violation of the foregoing restrictions. Any such relief shall be in addition to and not
in lieu of any other remedy available to the Company, whether at law or in equity. 
 14. Severability. Employee agrees that if any part of
Employee’s foregoing covenants or the duration thereof iS deemed too restrictive by a court of competent jurisdiction, the court may alter the covenants and/or duration to make the same reasonable under the circumstances, and
Employee acknowledges that Employee shall be bound thereby. 
 15. Complete Agreement. This Agreement and the terms and conditions set out in
the Offer Letter dated June 12, 2015 constitute the entire Agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof and cancels and supersedes any and all other previous agreements with respect to the subject matter hereof. The terms of this Agreement
shall survive the termination of and any change in Employee’s position with the Company. 
 16. Employee Review of Agreement. Employee
understands that he/she has the right to consult an attorney prior to the signing of this Agreement, and acknowledges that his/her signature below signifies that he/she has fully reviewed and understands all of the terms of this Agreement and that
he/she has agreed to those terms. 

  
 4 

					
	SO AGREED:	 		 	
			
	EMPLOYEE: Frederic Argir	 		 	Barnes & Noble, Inc.
			
	

	 		 	

	  
	 		 	  

	Signature	 		 	Signature
			
	06.25.15	 		 	Michelle Smith
	  
	 		 	  

	Date	 		 	Printed Name
			
		 		 	Vice President, Human Resources
		 		 	  

		 		 	Title
			
		 		 	June 12, 2015
		 		 	  

		 		 	Date

  
 5

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