Document:

valmont_8kex10-1feb23.htm

  

EXHIBIT 10.1

Execution Version

SECOND AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

THIS SECOND AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT (the "Amendment"), dated as of February 23, 2016 but effective as of December 26, 2015 (the "Second Amendment Effective Date"), is among VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), VALMONT INDUSTRIES HOLLAND B.V., a private company with limited liability, with corporate seat in Eindhoven, the Netherlands ("Valmont Holland"), VALMONT GROUP PTY LTD., a company incorporated under the laws of Queensland, Australia ("Valmont Australia" and, together with the Company and Valmont Holland, the "Borrowers"), and the other Subsidiaries of the Company who become party to the Agreement pursuant to Section 5.10 thereof, the Lenders party hereto, and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent (the "Administrative Agent").

 

RECITALS:

The Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, and the lenders listed on the signature pages thereto have entered into that certain Credit Agreement dated as of August 15, 2012, as amended by that certain First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of October 17, 2014 (as the same may hereafter be amended or otherwise modified, the "Agreement").  The Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders now desire to amend the Agreement as herein set forth.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows effective as of the date hereof unless otherwise indicated:

 

ARTICLE 1.

 

 

Definitions

 

Section 1.1. Definitions.  Capitalized terms used in this Amendment, to the extent not otherwise defined herein, shall have the same meanings as in the Agreement, as amended hereby.

 

ARTICLE 2.

 

 

Amendments

 

Section 2.1. Amendment to Credit Agreement.  The definition of “Change in Control” set forth in Section 7.01 of the Agreement is hereby amended to read as follows:

 

"Change in Control" means (a) the acquisition of beneficial ownership, or voting control, by any Person or group (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules of the SEC thereunder as in effect on the date hereof), other than any employee stock ownership plan sponsored by or otherwise established by the Company, of Equity Interests representing more than forty percent (40%) of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Company; (b) occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors of the Company by Persons who were neither (i) nominated, appointed or approved for consideration by shareholders for election by the board of directors of the Company, nor (ii) appointed by directors so nominated, appointed or approved; or (c) the Company shall cease to directly or indirectly own, free and clear of all Liens, one hundred percent (100%) of the outstanding voting Equity Interests of the other Borrowers on a fully diluted basis except to the extent that any applicable law requires a de minimums percentage of the Equity Interests in a Borrower be owned by a Person other than the Company.

 

Section 2.2. Amendment to Credit Agreement.  The definition of “EBITDA” set forth in Section 7.01 of the Agreement is hereby amended to read as follows:

 

"EBITDA" means, for any period, without duplication, the amount equal to the following calculated for the Company and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP: (a) net income determined in accordance with GAAP, plus (b) to the extent deducted in determining net income, the sum of (i) Interest Expense, (ii) depreciation, (iii) amortization, (iv) income and franchise tax expenses, (v) any extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual non-cash charges and (vi) goodwill and other intangible impairment charges minus (c) to the extent included in determining net income, any extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual non-cash gains; provided, however, that in the event that any acquisition or disposition of a Person (or any business unit, going concern, division or segment of such Person) permitted by this Agreement shall have been consummated during such period, the net income (and all amounts specified in clauses (a), (b) and (c) of this definition) shall be computed on a pro forma basis giving effect to such acquisition or disposition, as the case may be, as of the first day of such period.

 

Section 2.3. Amendment to Section 2.16(f)(ii)(D).  Section 2.16(f)(ii)(D) is hereby amended by adding the following sentence to the end of the provisions:

 

For purposes of determining withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA, from and after February 23, 2016, the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent shall treat (and the Lenders hereby authorize the Administrative Agent to treat) the Loans as not qualifying as a “grandfathered obligation” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.1471-2(b)(2)(i).

 

Section 2.4. Amendment to Exhibit B.  Exhibit B to the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and the Exhibit B attached hereto is inserted in its entirety in lieu thereof.

 

ARTICLE 3.

 

 

Conditions Precedent

 

Section 3.1. Conditions.  The effectiveness of Article 2 of this Amendment is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:

 

(a) The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received from each party hereto either (i) a counterpart of this Amendment signed on behalf of such party or (ii) written evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include telecopy or other electronic transmission of a signed signature page of this Amendment) that such party has signed a counterpart of this Amendment.

 

(b) The Administrative Agent shall have received all fees and other amounts due and payable on or prior to the Second Amendment Effective Date, including, reimbursement or payment of all out-of-pocket expenses (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel) incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with this Amendment, or required to be reimbursed or paid by the Borrowers by this Amendment, the Agreement or under any other Loan Document.

 

(c) The representations and warranties of the Borrowers set forth in this Amendment, the Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects (except for any representation and warranty that is qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect, which representation and warranty shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of the Second Amendment Effective Date, except to the extent such representations and warranties relate specifically to another date.

 

(d) At the time of and immediately after giving effect to the consummation of this Amendment, the Second Amendment Effective Date, and any Borrowings hereunder, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

(e) The Administrative Agent shall have received such additional documentation and information as Administrative Agent or its counsel may reasonably request.

 

(f) All proceedings taken in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Amendment and all documentation and other legal matters incident thereto shall be satisfactory to Administrative Agent and its counsel.

 

ARTICLE 4.

 

 

Ratifications, Representations and Warranties

 

Section 4.1. Ratifications.  The terms and provisions set forth in this Amendment shall modify and supersede all inconsistent terms and provisions set forth in the Agreement and except as expressly modified and superseded by this Amendment, the terms and provisions of the Agreement and the other Loan Documents are ratified and confirmed and shall continue in full force and effect.  The Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, and the Lenders party hereto agree that the Agreement as amended hereby and the other Loan Documents shall continue to be legal, valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.  For all matters arising prior to the Second Amendment Effective Date of this Amendment (including, without limitation, the accrual and payment of interest and fees and compliance with financial covenants), the terms of the Agreement (as unmodified by this Amendment) shall control and are hereby ratified and confirmed.

 

Section 4.2. Representations and Warranties.  The Borrowers hereby represent and warrant to Administrative Agent and the Lenders as follows:  (a) after giving effect to this Amendment and any Borrowings made under the Agreement, no Default exists; (b) after giving effect to this Amendment, the representations and warranties set forth in the Agreement are true and correct in all material respects (except for any representation and warranty that is qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect, which representation and warranty shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of the date hereof with the same effect as though made on and as of such date except with respect to any representations and warranties limited by their terms to a specific date; (c) the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of each Borrower and each other Loan Party and does not and will not: (1) violate any provision of law applicable to any Borrower or any other Loan Party, the certificate of incorporation, bylaws, partnership agreement, membership agreement, or other applicable governing document of any Borrower or any other Loan Party or any order, judgment, or decree of any court or agency of government binding upon any Borrower or any other Loan Party; (2) conflict with, result in a breach of or constitute (with due notice or lapse of time or both) a default under any material contractual obligation of any Borrower or any other Loan Party; (3) result in or require the creation or imposition of any material lien upon any of the assets of any Borrower or any other Loan Party; or (4) require any approval or consent of any Person under any material contractual obligation of any Borrower or any other Loan Party; (d) there has occurred no Material Adverse Effect since December 31, 2013; (e) at the time of and immediately after giving effect to the consummation of this Amendment and as of the Second Amendment Effective Date: (i) the LC Exposure does not exceed the Dollar Amount of $75,000,000, (ii) the Foreign Currency Exposure does not exceed the Foreign Currency Commitment, and (iii) the Aggregate Revolving Exposure does not exceed the Aggregate Revolving Commitments; and (f) after giving effect to this Amendment, neither the Borrowers nor any of their subsidiaries has any material Indebtedness for borrowed money other than the Indebtedness permitted by the Agreement, as amended by this Amendment.

 

IN ADDITION, TO INDUCE THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND THE LENDERS TO AGREE TO THE TERMS OF THIS AMENDMENT, EACH BORROWER AND EACH OTHER LOAN PARTY (BY IT EXECUTION BELOW) REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT AS OF THE DATE OF ITS EXECUTION OF THIS AMENDMENT THERE ARE NO CLAIMS OR OFFSETS AGAINST OR RIGHTS OF RECOUPMENT WITH RESPECT TO OR DEFENSES OR COUNTERCLAIMS TO ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE LOAN DOCUMENTS AND IN ACCORDANCE THEREWITH IT:

 

(a) WAIVER.  WAIVES ANY AND ALL SUCH CLAIMS, OFFSETS, RIGHTS OF RECOUPMENT, DEFENSES OR COUNTERCLAIMS, WHETHER KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, ARISING PRIOR TO THE DATE OF ITS EXECUTION OF THIS AMENDMENT AND

 

(b) RELEASE.  RELEASES AND DISCHARGES ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND THE LENDERS, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, SHAREHOLDERS, AFFILIATES AND ATTORNEYS (COLLECTIVELY THE "RELEASED PARTIES") FROM ANY AND ALL OBLIGATIONS, INDEBTEDNESS, LIABILITIES, CLAIMS, RIGHTS, CAUSES OF ACTION OR DEMANDS WHATSOEVER, WHETHER KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, SUSPECTED OR UNSUSPECTED, IN LAW OR EQUITY, WHICH ANY BORROWER OR ANY OTHER LOAN PARTY EVER HAD, NOW HAS, CLAIMS TO HAVE OR MAY HAVE AGAINST ANY RELEASED PARTY ARISING PRIOR TO THE DATE HEREOF AND FROM OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY.

 

ARTICLE 5.

 

 

Miscellaneous

 

Section 5.1. Survival of Representations and Warranties.  All representations and warranties made in this Amendment or any other Loan Document including any Loan Document furnished in connection with this Amendment shall survive the execution and delivery of this Amendment and the other Loan Documents, and no investigation by Administrative Agent or any Lender or any closing shall affect the representations and warranties or the right of Administrative Agent or any Lender to rely upon them.

 

Section 5.2. Reference to Agreement.  Each of the Loan Documents, including the Agreement and any and all other agreements, documents, or instruments now or hereafter executed and delivered pursuant to the terms hereof or pursuant to the terms of the Agreement as amended hereby, are hereby amended so that any reference in such Loan Documents to the Agreement shall mean a reference to the Agreement as amended hereby.

 

Section 5.3. Expenses of Lender.  As provided in the Agreement, each Borrower agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses incurred by Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Amendment and the other Loan Documents executed pursuant hereto, including without limitation, the costs and fees of Administrative Agent's counsel.

 

Section 5.4. Severability.  Any provision of this Amendment held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

Section 5.5. Applicable Law.  This Amendment and the other Loan Documents shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the applicable law pertaining in the State of New York, other than those conflict of law provisions that would defer to the substantive laws of another jurisdiction.  This governing law election has been made by the parties in reliance (at least in part) on Section 5–1401 of the General Obligations Law of the State of New York, as amended (as and to the extent applicable), and other applicable law.

 

Section 5.6. Successors and Assigns.  This Amendment is binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and their respective successors and assigns, except the Borrowers may not assign or transfer any of their rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender.  Any assignment in violation of this Section 5.6 shall be void.

 

Section 5.7. Counterparts.  This Amendment may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Amendment by telecopy or other electronic communication shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Amendment.

 

Section 5.8. Effect of Waiver.  No consent or waiver, express or implied, by Administrative Agent or any Lender to or for any breach of or deviation from any covenant, condition or duty by any Borrower or any other Loan Party shall be deemed a consent or waiver to or of any other breach of the same or any other covenant, condition or duty.

 

Section 5.9. Headings.  The headings, captions, and arrangements used in this Amendment are for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Amendment.

 

Section 5.10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  THIS AMENDMENT AND ALL OTHER INSTRUMENTS, DOCUMENTS AND AGREEMENTS EXECUTED AND DELIVERED IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AMENDMENT EMBODY THE FINAL, ENTIRE AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES HERETO AND SUPERSEDE ANY AND ALL PRIOR COMMITMENTS, AGREEMENTS, REPRESENTATIONS AND UNDERSTANDINGS, WHETHER WRITTEN OR ORAL, RELATING TO THIS AMENDMENT, AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED OR VARIED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OR DISCUSSIONS OF THE PARTIES HERETO.  THERE ARE NO ORAL AGREEMENTS AMONG THE PARTIES HERETO.

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank.]

 

  

  

  

 

Executed as of the date first written above.

 

	  	
VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.,

as a Borrower

By:             /s/ Mark C. Jaksich 

Name:           Mark C. Jaksich

Title:           Chief Financial Officer

 

	  	
VALMONT INDUSTRIES HOLLAND B.V.,

as a Borrower

By:             /s/ Mark C. Jaksich 

Name:           Mark C. Jaksich

Title:           Director

By:             /s/ Roger Andrew Massey 

Name:           Roger Andrew Massey

Title:           Director

 

	
Signed sealed and delivered by Valmont

Group Pty Ltd. ACN142 189 295 in accordance with s127 of the Corporations Act 2001

(Cth) in the presence of:

	
VALMONT GROUP PTY LTD.,

as a Borrower

By:             /s/ Mark C. Jaksich 

Name:           Mark C. Jaksich

Title:           Director

By:             /s/ Roger Andrew Massey 

Name:           Roger Andrew Massey

Title:           Director

 

SECOND AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT, Signature Page

  

  

  

	  	
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

individually as a Lender, the Swingline Bank,

an Issuing Bank, and as the Administrative Agent

By             /s/ Maria Riaz 

Name:           Maria Riaz                                           

Title:           Vice President 

 

SECOND AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT, Signature Page

  

  

  

	  	
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as a Lender

By:              /s/ Mukesh Singh                                                      

Name:           Mukesh Singh 

Title:           Vice President 

 

SECOND AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT, Signature Page

  

  

  

	  	
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as a Syndication Agent and a Lender

 

 

By:             /s/ Joseph Finnegan 

Name:           Joseph Finnegan                                           

Title:           Vice President 

 

SECOND AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT, Signature Page

  

  

  

	  	
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as a Lender

 

 

By:             /s/ Scott Leighton                                                      

Name:           Scott Leighton 

Title:           Vice President 

 

SECOND AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT, Signature Page

  

  

  

	  	
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND BANKING GROUP LIMITED, as a Lender

 

By:             /s/ Robert Grillo                                                      

Name:           Robert Grillo                                           

Title:           Director                                           

 

SECOND AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT, Signature Page

  

  

  

	  	
COOPERATIEVE RABOBANK U.A., NEW YORK BRANCH (formerly known as COOPERATIEVE CENTRALE RAIFFEISEN-BOERENLEENBANK B.A., “RABOBANK NEDERLAND”, NEW YORK BRANCH)

 

 

By:             /s/ William Binder                                                      

Name:           William Binder 

Title:           Executive Director                                           

 

 

By:             /s/ Erin Thomas-Walker                                                      

Name:           Erin Thomas-Walker 

Title:           Vice President                                           

 

	  	  

SECOND AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT, Signature Page

  

  

  

	  	
Goldman Sachs Lending Partners, LLC, as a Lender

 

By:             /s/ Jerry Li                                                      

Name:           Jerry Li                                           

Title:           Authorized Signatory 

 

SECOND AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT, Signature Page

  

  

  

	  	
COBANK, ACB, as a Lender

 

 

By:             /s/ Kristina Jensen                                                      

Name:           Kristina Jensen 

Title:           Vice President 

 

SECOND AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT, Signature Page

  

  

  

	  	
First National Bank of Omaha, as a Lender

 

 

By:             /s/ David S. Erker                                                      

Name:           David S. Erker 

Title:           Vice President 

 

SECOND AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT, Signature Page

  

  

  

	  	
The Northern Trust Company, as a Lender

 

 

By:               /s/ Murtuza Ziauddin 

Name:           Murtuza Ziauddin                                           

Title:           Vice President 

 

  

  

  

RATIFICATION OF GUARANTORS

Each of the undersigned Guarantors hereby (a) acknowledges and consents to the Amendment to which this ratification is attached, and the Borrowers execution thereof; (b) joins the foregoing Amendment for the purpose of consenting to and being bound by the provisions thereof, (c) ratifies and confirms all of their respective obligations and liabilities under the Loan Documents to which any of them is a party and ratifies and confirms that such obligations and liabilities extend to and continue in effect with respect to, and continue to guarantee the Obligations of the Borrowers under the Agreement, as amended by the Amendment and (d) acknowledges, affirms and agrees to each term of the Amendment.

GUARANTORS:

VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.

By:                    /s/  Mark C. Jaksich                      

Name:                   Mark C. Jaksich

Title:                   Chief Financial Officer

PIROD, INC.

By:                     /s/  Mark C. Jaksich                     

Name:                   Mark C. Jaksich

Title:                   Chief Financial Officer

VALMONT COATINGS, INC.

By:                     /s/ Mark C. Jaksich                            

Name:                   Mark C. Jaksich

Title:                   Vice President

VALMONT NEWMARK, INC.

By:                     /s/ Mark C. Jaksich                           

Name:                   Mark C. Jaksich

Title:                   Vice President

Signed sealed and delivered by                                         VALMONT QUEENSLAND PTY LTD.

Valmont Queensland Pty Ltd. ACN

142 183 800 in accordance with

s127 of the Corporations Act 2001                                  By:                     /s/  Mark C. Jaksich                             

(Cth) in the presence of:                                                      Name:                   Mark C. Jaksich

Title:                   Director

By:                     /s/ Roger Andrew Massey                   

Name:                   Roger Andrew Massey

Title:                   Director

  

  

  

EXHIBIT B

TO

VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.

CREDIT AGREEMENT

FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

for the

quarter ending __________ __, _____

 

To:           JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Loan and Agency Services Group

10 South Dearborn Street, 7th Floor

Chicago, IL  60603

Attention: Nanette Wilson

Telephone:  312-385-7084

Telecopy:  888-292-9533

and each Lender

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This Compliance Certificate (the "Certificate") is being delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(c) of that certain Credit Agreement (as amended, the "Agreement") dated as of August 15, 2012, among Valmont Industries, Inc. and certain of its Subsidiaries (collectively, the "Borrowers"), JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the Lenders named therein.  All capitalized terms, unless otherwise defined herein, shall have the same meanings as in the Agreement.  All the calculations set forth below shall be made pursuant to the terms of the Agreement.

 

The undersigned, an authorized financial officer of the Company in his capacity as such financial officer and not in his individual capacity, does hereby certify to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that:

 

	
1.         DEFAULT

	  
	
No Default has occurred or, if a Default has occurred, I have described on the attached Exhibit A the nature thereof and the steps taken or proposed to remedy such Default.

	  
	  	  	  	
Compliance

	
2.         SECTION 5.01 - Financial Statements and Records

	  	  	  
	  	  	  	  
	
(a)Annual audited financial statements of the Company on a consolidated basis within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year end (together with Compliance Certificate).

	  	  	
Yes

	
No

	
N/A

	  	  	  	  	  	  
	
(b)Quarterly unaudited financial statements of the Company on a consolidated basis within 45 days after each fiscal quarter end (together with Compliance Certificate).

	  	  	
Yes

	
No

	
N/A

	  	  	  	  	  	  
	
3.         SECTION 5.10 - Additional Subsidiaries

	  	  	  
	  	  	  	  
	
Joinder of new Domestic Subsidiaries promptly after they are formed or acquired and become Material Subsidiaries.

	  	  	
Yes

	
No

	
N/A

	  	  	  	  	  	  
	
Joinder of any Subsidiary promptly after such Subsidiary guarantees any of the Indebtedness under the Senior Notes.

	  	  	
Yes

	
No

	
N/A

	  	  	  	  	  	  
	
4.         SECTION 7.01 -Leverage Ratio

	  	  	  	  	  
	  	  	  	  	  	  
	
(a)Total Indebtedness as of fiscal quarter end

	  	
$________

	  	  	  
	  	  	  	  	  	  
	
(b)EBITDA

	  	  	  	  	  
	
(i)net income

	  	
$________

	  	  	  
	
(ii)plus income and franchise taxes deducted in determining net income

	  	
$________

	  	  	  
	
(iii) plus Interest Expense deducted in determining net income

	  	
$________

	  	  	  
	
(iv) plus amortization and depreciation expense deducted in determining net income

	  	
$________

	  	  	  
	
(v) plus extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual non-cash charges deducted in determining net income

	  	
$________

	  	  	  
	
(vi) plus goodwill and other intangible impairment charges deducted in determining net income

	  	
$________

	  	  	  
	
(vii) minus any extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual non-cash gains to the extent included in determining net income

	  	
$________

	  	  	  
	
(viii) EBITDA:  Total of Lines (i) through (vii)

	  	
$________

	  	  	  
	  	  	  	  	  	  
	
(c)Line 4(a) ÷ Line 4(b)(viii)

	  	
___ to 1.00

	  	  	  
	  	  	  	  	  	  
	
(d)Maximum Leverage Ratio permitted by Credit Agreement

	  	
3.50 to 1.00

	  	
Yes

	
No

	  	  	  	  	  	  
	
5.         SECTION 7.02 - Interest Coverage Ratio

	  	  	  	  	  
	  	  	  	  	  	  
	
(a)EBITDA (from Line 4(b)(viii))

	  	
$________

	  	  	  
	  	  	  	  	  	  
	
(b)Interest Expense

	  	
$________

	  	  	  
	  	  	  	  	  	  
	
(c)Line 5(a) ÷ Line 5(b)

	  	
___ to 1.00

	  	  	  
	  	  	  	  	  	  
	
(d)Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio required by Credit Agreement

	  	
2.50 to 1.00

	  	
Yes

	
No

	  	  	  	  	  	  
	
6.         DETERMINATION OF APPLICABLE RATE

	  	  	  	  	  
	  	  	  	  	  	  
	
(a)Adjustment to margin and fees required (see pricing grid on Schedule 1)

	  	  	  	
Yes

	
No

	  	  	  	  	  	  
	
(b)If adjustment required, set forth below new margins and fees

	  	  	  	  	  
	  	  	  	  	  	  
	
(i)ABR Spread

	  	
_______%

	  	  	  
	
(ii)Commitment Fee Rate

	  	
_______%

	  	  	  
	
(iii)Fixed Rate Spread

	  	
_______%

	  	  	  
	  	  	  	  	  	  
	
7.         ATTACHED SCHEDULES

	  
	
Attached hereto as schedules are the calculations supporting the computation set forth above in this Certificate.  All information contained herein and on the attached schedules is true and correct in all material respects.

	  
	
8.         FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

	  
	
The financial statements attached hereto were prepared in accordance with GAAP and fairly present in all material respects (subject to year end audit adjustments and absence of footnotes) the financial condition and the results of the operations of the Persons reflected thereon, at the date and for the periods indicated therein.

	  
	
9.         CONFLICT

	  
	
In the event of conflict between this Certificate and the Credit Agreement, the Credit Agreement shall control.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate effective as of the date first written above.

 

Valmont Industries, Inc.

By:           

Name:           

Title:           

  

  

  

SCHEDULE 1

TO

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

	
Index Debt:

	
Fixed Rate Spread

	
ABR Spread

	
Commitment Fee Rate

	
Category 1:

A-/A3 or higher

	
1.000%

	
0.000%

	
0.100%

	
Category 2:

BBB+/Baa1

	
1.125%

	
0.125%

	
0.125%

	
Category 3:

BBB/Baa2

	
1.250%

	
0.250%

	
0.175%

	
Category 4:

BBB-/Baa3

	
1.375%

	
0.375%

	
0.225%

	
Category 5:

BB+/Ba1 or lower

	
1.625%

	
0.625%

	
0.275%Ex-106

		

			Exhibit 10.6

		

		
			EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
		

		
			 
		

		
			 THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into effective as of the 1st day of January, 2016, by and between John K. Bakewell (“Employee”) and Exact Sciences Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). 
		

		
			 
		

		
			WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Employee as its Chief Financial Officer, and Employee desires to accept such employment pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
		

		
			 
		

		
			NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions hereinafter set forth, and other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows: 
		

		
			 
		

			
	
			
				 1.
			Employment.  The Company hereby agrees to employ Employee as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Employee hereby agrees to serve the Company in such position, subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement subject to the authority and direction of the Board of Directors of the Company or its designee.  Employee agrees (a) to devote his full-time professional efforts, attention and energies to the business of the Company, (b) that he shall owe an undivided duty of loyalty to the Company, and (c) shall faithfully and to the best of his ability perform his duties hereunder.  Employee may serve as a director or committee member of other corporations, charitable organizations and trade associations (provided that the Company is notified in advance of all such positions) and may otherwise engage in charitable and community activities, deliver lectures and fulfill speaking engagements (with the prior approval of the CEO), and manage personal investments, but only if such services and activities do not interfere with the performance of his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.

			
	
			
				 2.
			Term of Employment.  Employee’s employment (the “Employment Term”) will continue until terminated as provided in Section 6 below.

			
	
			
				 3.
			Compensation. During the Employment Term, Employee shall receive the following compensation. 

			
	
			
				 3.1
			Base Salary. Employee’s annual base salary on the date of this Agreement is four hundred and ten thousand dollars ($410,000), payable in accordance with the normal payroll practices of the Company (“Base Salary”).  Employee’s Base Salary will be subject to annual review by the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors of the Company.  During the Employment Term, on each anniversary date of this Agreement, the Company shall review the Base Salary amount to determine any modifications.  In no event shall the Base Salary be less than the Base Salary amount for the immediately preceding twelve (12) month period other than as permitted in Section 6.1(c) hereunder.

			
	
			
				 3.2
			Annual Bonus Compensation.  Employee shall be eligible to be considered for an annual, discretionary cash bonus each calendar year.  Employee’s target annual bonus percentage for each calendar year shall be fifty percent (50%) of his Base Salary as of January 1 of the applicable new calendar year.  Employee acknowledges and agrees that any such annual bonus shall be entirely within the discretion of the CEO and the Compensation Committee based upon the achievement of goals (including without limitation corporate and individual goals) and other discretionary factors as determined by the Board and/or the Compensation Committee after consultation with the CEO.  Except as otherwise provided in the discretion of the Compensation Committee, Employee shall not be eligible to be considered 

		 

 

		

			 

		

	for, or to receive, an annual bonus for any calendar year unless he remains employed with the Company through December 31 of the applicable calendar year.  If Employee is terminated with Cause (as defined below) or resigns without Good Reason (as defined below), he shall not be entitled to receive any annual bonus, even if a determination to award the Employee an annual bonus has previously been made but such annual bonus has not yet paid.  Subject to the preceding sentence, if an annual bonus is awarded to Employee, it shall be paid no later than March 15 following the end of the calendar year for which it was awarded.  

			
	
			
				 3.3
			Equity Incentives.  

			
	
			
				 (a)
			

			
	
			
			The Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, or the Compensation Committee, may grant Employee from time to time options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, and/or other equity awards including without limitation restricted stock units, both as a reward for past individual and corporate performance, and as an incentive for future performance.  Such options and/or other awards, if awarded, will be pursuant to the Company’s then current equity incentive plan.  

			
	
			
				 (b)
			

			
	
			
			Employee will receive an initial grant of two hundred thirty-eight thousand and ninety-five (238,095) restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to be settled in shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the Company’s omnibus equity plan upon commencement of employment. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the shares underlying the RSUs shall vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant and the balance shall vest on a ratable quarterly basis over a three-year period commencing on the first anniversary of the grant date, subject to the acceleration of vesting (i) as described in Section 6.3 hereof, (ii) as described in Section 7.1(d) and 7.2(b) hereof, and (iii) as may be set forth in the grant agreements issued by the Company, as amended, provided, that in the event of a conflict between any grant agreement and this Agreement this Agreement shall control.  

			
	
			
				 3.4
			Starting Bonus.  Employee shall receive a starting bonus as follows:  (i) one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars ($125,000) in cash (the “Cash Starting Bonus”), payable within fifteen (15) days of his first day of employment with the Company , and (ii) fourteen thousand one hundred and seventy-five (14,175) RSUs (the “Equity Starting Bonus”).  Employee agrees that if Employee terminates his employment with the Company without Good Reason (as defined below) at any time before January 1, 2017, Employee shall repay the Cash Starting Bonus within thirty (30) days of the effective date of his termination.  One hundred percent (100%) of the shares underlying the Equity Starting Bonus shall vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant, subject to the acceleration of vesting (i) as described in Section 6.3 hereof, (ii) as described in Section 7.1(d) and 7.2(b) hereof, and (iii) as may be set forth in the grant agreements issued by the Company, as amended, provided, that in the event of a conflict between any grant agreement and this Agreement this Agreement shall control.

			
	
			
				 4.
			Benefits.  

			
	
			
				 4.1
			Benefits. Employee will be entitled to participate in the sick leave, insurance (including medical, life and long-term disability), profit-sharing, retirement, and other benefit programs that are generally provided to employees of the Company similarly situated, all in accordance with the rules and policies of the Company as to such matters and the plans established therefore. 

		 

		

			2

		

		

			 

		

 

		

			 

		

			
	
			
				 4.2
			Vacation and Personal Time. The Company will provide Employee with four (4) weeks of paid vacation and other personal time off each calendar year Employee is employed by the Company, in accordance with Company policy. The foregoing vacation and personal time off days shall be in addition to standard paid holiday days for employees of the Company. 

			
	
			
				 4.3
			Indemnification. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law or the Company’s articles of incorporation and bylaws the Company will, during and after termination of employment, indemnify Employee (including providing advancement of expenses) for any judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by Employee in connection with the defense of any lawsuit or other claim or investigation to which Employee is made, or threatened to be made, a party or witness by reason of being or having been an officer, director or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates as deemed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Affiliates”) or a fiduciary of any of their benefit plans, other than actions by the Company against Employee alleging breach of this Agreement by Employee. 

			
	
			
				 4.4
			Liability Insurance. Both during and after termination (for any reason) of Employee’s employment, the Company shall cause Employee to be covered under a directors and officers’ liability insurance policy for his acts (or non-acts) as an officer of the Company or any of its Affiliates.  Such policy shall be maintained by the Company, at its expense in an amount and on terms (including the time period of coverage after the Employee’s employment terminates) at least as favorable to the Employee as policies covering the Company’s other executive officers.  

			
	
			
				 4.5
			Relocation Allowance.  Company shall pay Employee a one-time amount of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000), payable within fifteen (15) days of his first day of employment with the Company, as well as one thousand four hundred dollars ($1,400) per month for twelve (12) months (conditioned on Employee’s continued employment during that period), to assist Employee with relocation and related expenses, such as temporary housing. The monthly payments described in this Section 4.5 shall be included with the Employee’s first regular pay check of each month, commencing with the first pay check in January, 2016 and ending with the last pay check in December, 2016.  In addition, Company will pay the reasonable expenses incurred in moving Employee’s personal belongings from temporary apartment housing in Boston, Massachusetts to temporary apartment housing in Madison, Wisconsin. Employee agrees that if Employee terminates his employment with the Company without Good Reason (as defined below) at any time before January 1, 2017, Employee shall reimburse the Company for all payments made by Company pursuant to this Section 4.5 within thirty (30) days of the effective date of his termination.  Any taxes payable with respect to the payments made by the Company to Employee pursuant to this Section 4.5 shall be the sole responsibility of Employee, and the Company will follow federal, state and local tax regulations with regard to the reporting such payments.   

			
	
			
				 5.
			Business Expenses. Upon submission of a satisfactory accounting by Employee, consistent with the policies of the Company, the Company will reimburse Employee for any reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Employee in the furtherance of the business of the Company. 

			
	
			
				 6.
			Termination.  

			
	
			
				 6.1
			By Employee.  

		 

		

			3

		

		

			 

		

 

		

			 

		

			
	
			
				 (a)
			

			
	
			
			Without Good Reason.  Employee may terminate his employment pursuant to this Agreement at any time without Good Reason (as defined below) with at least thirty (30) business days’ written notice (the “Employee Notice Period”) to the Company.  Upon termination by Employee under this section, the Company may, in its sole discretion and at any time during the Employee Notice Period, suspend Employee’s duties for the remainder of the Employee Notice Period, as long as the Company continues to pay compensation to Employee, including benefits, throughout the Employee Notice Period. 

			
	
			
				 (b)
			

			
	
			
			With Good Reason.  Employee may terminate his employment pursuant to this Agreement with Good Reason (as defined below) at any time within ninety (90) days after the occurrence of an event constituting Good Reason. 

			
	
			
				 (c)
			

			
	
			
			Good Reason.  “Good Reason” shall mean any of the following:  (i) Employee’s Base Salary is reduced (x) in a manner that is not applied proportionately to other senior executive officers of the Company or (y) by more than thirty percent (30%) of Employee’s then current Base Salary; (ii) Employee’s duties, authority or responsibilities are materially reduced or are materially inconsistent with the scope of authority, duties and responsibilities of Employee’s position; or (iii) the occurrence of an uncured (after a thirty (30) day notice-and-cure period) material breach by the Company of any of its obligations to Employee under this Agreement. 

			
	
			
				 6.2
			By the Company.  

			
	
			
				 (a)
			

			
	
			
			With Cause.  The Company may terminate Employee’s employment pursuant to this Agreement for Cause, as defined below, immediately upon written notice to Employee. 

			
	
			
				 (b)
			

			
	
			
			“Cause” shall mean any of the following: 

			
	
			
				 (i)
			

			
	
			
			any willful failure or refusal to perform the Employee’s duties which continues for more than three (3) days after written notice from the Company;

		
			(ii)any willful failure or refusal to follow or comply with any Company policy, rule or procedure which continues for more than three (3) days after written notice from the Company;   
		

		
			(iii)the commission of any fraud or embezzlement by the Employee in connection with the Employee's duties or committed in the course of Employee’s employment; 
		

		
			(iv)any gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Employee with regard to the Company or any of its subsidiaries resulting in a material economic loss to the Company; 
		

		
			(v)a conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude;
		

		 

		

			4

		

		

			 

		

 

		

			 

		

		
			(vi)the Employee is convicted of a misdemeanor the circumstances of which involve fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude and which is substantially related to the circumstances of Employee’s job with the Company; 
		

		
			(vii)any willful and material violation by the Employee of any statutory or common law duty of loyalty to the Company or any of its subsidiaries resulting in a material economic loss; or 
		

		
			(viii)any material breach by the Employee of this Agreement or any of the agreements referenced in Section 8 of this Agreement. 
		

			
	
			
				 (c)
			

			
	
			
			Without Cause.  Subject to Section 7.1, the Company may terminate Employee’s employment pursuant to this Agreement without Cause upon at least thirty days’ written notice (“Company Notice Period”) to Employee.  Upon any termination by the Company under this Section 6.2(c), the Company may, in its sole discretion and at any time during the Company Notice Period, suspend Employee’s duties for the remainder of the Company Notice Period, as long as the Company continues to pay compensation to Employee, including benefits, throughout the Company Notice Period.

			
	
			
				 6.3
			Death or Disability.  Notwithstanding Section 2, in the event of the death or disability of Employee during the Employment Term, (i) Employee’s employment and this Agreement shall immediately and automatically terminate, (ii) the Company shall pay Employee (or in the case of death, employee’s designated beneficiary) Base Salary and accrued but unpaid bonuses, in each case up to the date of termination, and (iii) all equity awards granted to Employee, whether stock options or stock purchase rights under the Company’s equity compensation plan, or other equity awards, that are unvested at the time of termination shall immediately become fully vested and exercisable upon such termination. Neither Employee, his beneficiary nor estate shall be entitled to any severance benefits set forth in Section 7 if terminated pursuant to this section. In the event of the disability of Employee, the parties agree to comply with applicable federal and state law. 

			
	
			
				 6.4
			Survival.  The Confidential Information Agreement described in Section 8 hereof and attached hereto as Schedule A shall survive the termination of this Agreement. 

			
	
			
				 7.
			Severance and Other Rights Relating to Termination and Change of Control.  

			
	
			
				 7.1
			Termination of Agreement Pursuant to Section 6.l(b) or 6.2(c). If the Employee terminates his employment for Good Reason pursuant to Section 6.1(b), or the Company terminates Employee’s employment without Cause pursuant to Section 6.2(c), subject to the conditions described in Section 7.3 below, the Company will provide Employee the following payments and other benefits: 

			
	
			
				 (a)
			

			
	
			
			(i) salary continuation for a period of twelve (12) months at Employee’s then current Base Salary, which shall commence on the first payroll date which is on or immediately follows the 30th day following the termination of Employee’s employment, (ii) any accrued but unpaid Base Salary as of the termination date; and (iii) any earned, awarded and accrued, but unpaid, bonus as of the termination date, all on the same terms and at the same times as would have applied had Employee’s employment not terminated. 

		 

		

			5

		

		

			 

		

 

		

			 

		

			
	
			
				 (b)
			

			
	
			
			If Employee elects COBRA coverage for health and/or dental insurance in a timely manner, the Company shall pay the monthly premium payments for such timely elected coverage (consistent with what was in place at the date of termination) when each premium is due until the earlier of: (i) (12) twelve months from the date of termination; (ii) the date Employee obtains new employment which offers health and/or dental insurance that is reasonably comparable to that offered by the Company; or (iii) the date COBRA continuation coverage would otherwise terminate in accordance with the provisions of COBRA. Thereafter, health and dental insurance coverage shall be continued only to the extent required by COBRA and only to the extent Employee timely pays the premium payments herself.

			
	
			
				 (c)
			

			
	
			
			Within thirty (30) days of the effective date of termination, the Company shall pay Employee Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) towards the cost of an outplacement consulting package for Employee. 

			
	
			
				 (d)
			

			
	
			
			The time-vesting period of the then unvested equity awards granted to Employee, whether stock options, restricted stock or stock purchase rights under the Company’s equity compensation plan, or other equity awards, shall immediately accelerate by a period of 12 months upon such termination or resignation. Employee will be entitled to exercise such equity awards in accordance with Section 7.6. 

			
	
			
				 7.2
			Change of Control. The Board of Directors of the Company has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to assure that the Company will have the continued dedication of the Employee, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a Change of Control (defined in Section 7.2(a) below). The Board believes it is imperative to diminish the inevitable distraction of the Employee by virtue of the personal uncertainties and risks created by a pending or threatened Change of Control and to encourage the Employee’s full attention and dedication to the Company currently and in the event of any threatened or pending Change of Control, and to provide the Employee with compensation and benefits arrangements upon a Change of Control which ensure that the compensation and benefits expectations of the Employee will be satisfied and which are competitive with those of other similarly-situated companies.  Therefore, in order to accomplish these objectives, the Board has caused the Company to include the provisions set forth in this Section 7.2. 

			
	
			
				 (a)
			

			
	
			
			Change of Control.  “Change of Control” shall mean, and shall be deemed to have occurred if, on or after the date of this Agreement, (i) any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) or group acting in concert, other than a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company acting in such capacity or a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company, becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under said Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding voting securities, (ii) during any 12-month period, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board of Directors of the Company and any new director whose election by the Board of Directors or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose 

		 

		

			6

		

		

			 

		

 

		

			 

		

	election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority thereof, (iii) the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation other than a merger or consolidation which 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) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or (iv) the sale or disposition by the Company of (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. 

			
	
			
				 (b)
			

			
	
			
			Acceleration of Vesting of Equity Awards.  If (i) within twelve (12) months after a Change in Control, the Company (or a successor) terminates the Employee without Cause or Employee terminates for Good Reason, (ii) within four (4) months after the Company terminates the Employee without Cause or Employee terminates for Good Reason, a Change in Control occurs, or (iii) Employee remains employed by the Company (or any successor) at least six (6) months following such Change of Control, then one hundred percent (100%) of the then unvested equity awards granted to Employee, whether stock options, restricted stock or stock purchase rights under the Company’s equity compensation plan, or other equity awards, shall immediately become fully vested and exercisable.  Employee will be entitled to exercise such vested equity awards in accordance with the applicable grant agreements. 

			
	
			
				 7.3
			Conditions Precedent. The Company’s obligations to Employee described in Sections 7.1 and 7.2 are contingent on Employee’s delivery to the Company of a signed waiver and release in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company of all claims he may have against the Company, and his not revoking such release within 21 days after his date of termination.  Moreover, the Employee’s rights to receive ongoing payments and benefits pursuant to Sections 7.1 and 7.2 (including, without limitation, the right to ongoing payments under the Company’s equity plans) are conditioned on the Employee’s ongoing compliance with his obligations as described in Section 8 hereof.  Any cessation by the Company of any such payments and benefits shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any and all other remedies available to the Company for Employee’s breach of his obligations described in Section 8 hereof. 

			
	
			
				 7.4
			No Severance Benefits. Employee is not entitled to any severance benefits if this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Sections 6.1(a) or 6.2(a) of this Agreement; provided however, Employee shall be entitled to (i) Base Salary prorated through the effective date of such termination;  and (ii) medical coverage and other benefits required by law and plans (as provided in Section 7.5, below). 

			
	
			
				 7.5
			Benefits Required by Law and Plans: Vacation Time Pay. In the event of the termination of Employee’s employment, Employee will be entitled to medical and other insurance coverage, if any, as is required by law and, to the extent not inconsistent with this Agreement, to receive such additional benefits as Employee may be entitled under the express terms of applicable benefit plans (other than bonus or severance plans) of the Company, its subsidiaries and Affiliates.

		 

		

			7

		

		

			 

		

 

		

			 

		

			
	
			
				 7.6
			Exercise Period of Equity Awards after Termination. Unless it would subject the Employee to adverse tax consequences under Section 885 of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, Pub. Law No. 108-357, 118 Stat. 1418 (the Act), which added § 409A to the Internal Revenue Code, notwithstanding anything contained herein or in the equity grant agreements to the contrary, in the event of the termination of Employee’s employment with the Company, Employee's vested equity awards shall be open for exercise until the earlier of (i) two (2) years from the date of termination or (ii) the latest date on which those equity awards expire or are eligible to be exercised under the grant agreements, determined without regard to such termination or resignation; provided further that such extended exercise period shall not apply in the event the Employee resigns without Good Reason or is terminated by the Company for Cause, in which case, the exercise periods shall continue to be governed by the terms of the grant agreements. 

		
			7.7409A Compliance.  Notwithstanding anything in this Section 7 to the contrary, to the extent that any payments under this Section 7 are considered deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, such payments shall not be paid for six months following the Employee’s separation from service (if, and only to the extent, applicable and required for compliance with Section 409A).  To the extent that any payment is delayed pursuant to this subsection, it shall be paid on the first day after the end of such required period.
		

			
	
			
				 8.
			Restrictions.  

			
	
			
				 8.1
			The Confidential Information Agreement.  Employee will enter into and comply with the terms of the Employee Confidentiality and Assignment Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Confidential Information Agreement”). 

			
	
			
				 8.2
			Agreement Not to Compete. In consideration for all of the payments and benefits that may become due to Employee under this Agreement, including but not limited to equity awards, Employee agrees that during Employee’s employment by the Company and for a period of twelve (12) months after termination of his employment for any reason, he will not, directly or indirectly, without the Company’s prior written consent, (a) perform for a Competing Entity in any Restricted Area any of the same services or substantially the same services that he performed for the Company; (b) in any Restricted Area, advise, assist, participate in, perform services for, or consult with a Competing Entity regarding the management, operations, business or financial strategy, marketing or sales functions or products of the Competing Entity (the activities in clauses (a) and (b) collectively are, the “Restricted Activities”); or (c) solicit or divert the business of any Restricted Customer by offering competitive products or services to such Restricted Customer to the detriment of the Company.  Employee acknowledges that this Section 8.2 contains three separate and distinct restrictive covenants, and further acknowledges that in his position with the Company he has had and will have access to knowledge of confidential information about all aspects of the Company that would be of significant value to the Company’s competitors.   

			
	
			
				 8.3
			Additional Definitions.  

			
	
			
				 (a)
			

			
	
			
			“Customer” means any individual or entity for which the Company has provided services or products. 

			
	
			
				 (b)
			

			
	
			
			“Restricted Customer” means any Customer with whom/which (i) Employee had contact on behalf of the Company during the twelve (12) months preceding the end, for whatever reason, of his employment, or (ii) one of Employee’s direct 

		 

		

			8

		

		

			 

		

 

		

			 

		

	reports had contact during the twelve (12) months preceding the end of Employee’s employment, if the Employee was exposed to any confidential information regarding such Customer during such period.  

			
	
			
				 (c)
			

			
	
			
			“Competing Entity” means any business entity engaged in the development, design, manufacture, marketing, distribution or sale of molecular diagnostic products.

			
	
			
				 (d)
			

			
	
			
			“Restricted Area” means any geographic location where if Employee were to perform any Restricted Activities for a Competing Entity in such a location, the effect of such performance would be competitive to the Company. 

			
	
			
				 8.4
			Restrictions Are Necessary.  Employee acknowledges that reasonable restrictions on solicitation and diversion of business are necessary to protect the interests of the Company, including the protection of its goodwill and confidential information. Employee also acknowledges that the Company has provided and will provide to him certain confidential information that it would not otherwise provide because he has agreed not to solicit or divert the business of the Company as set forth in this Agreement. 

			
	
			
				 8.5
			Restrictions Against Solicitations.  Employee further covenants and agrees that during Employee’s employment by the Company and for a period of twelve (12) months following the termination of his employment with the Company for any reason, he will not, except with the prior consent of the Company's Chief Executive Officer, directly or indirectly, solicit or encourage any person who is an employee of the Company to terminate his or her employment with the Company. 

			
	
			
				 8.6
			Affiliates.  For purposes of this Section 8, the term “Company” will be deemed to include the Company and its Affiliates. 

			
	
			
				 8.7
			Ability to Obtain Other Employment.  Employee hereby represents that his experience and capabilities are such that in the event his employment with the Company is terminated, he will be able to obtain employment if he so chooses during the twelve-month period following the termination of employment described above without violating the terms of this Agreement, and that the enforcement of this Agreement by injunction, as described below, will not prevent him from becoming so employed.  To assist Employee in obtaining subsequent employment, the Company agrees to respond within three (3) business days to any request of Employee as to whether a new position would be viewed by the Company as violation of the restrictions in this Agreement.

			
	
			
				 8.8
			Injunctive Relief.  Employee understands and agrees that if he violates any provision of this Section 8 or the Confidential Information Agreement, then in any suit that the Company may bring for that violation, an order may be made enjoining him from such violation, and an order to that effect may be made pending litigation or as a final determination of the litigation. Employee further agrees that the Company’s application for an injunction will be without prejudice to any other right of action that may accrue to the Company by reason of the breach of this Section 8 or the Confidential Information Agreement. 

			
	
			
				 8.9
			Severability.  In case any provisions (or portions thereof) contained in this Agreement shall, for any reason, be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect the other provisions of this Agreement, and this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had 

		 

		

			9

		

		

			 

		

 

		

			 

		

	never been contained herein.  If, moreover, any one or more of the provisions contained in this Section 8 shall for any reason be held to be excessively broad as to duration, geographical scope, activity or subject, it shall be construed by limiting and reducing it, so as to be enforceable to the extent compatible with the applicable law as it shall then appear.

			
	
			
				 8.10
			Section 8 Survives Termination.  The provisions of this Section 8 will survive termination of this Agreement and the termination of the Employee’s employment.  Employee understands that his obligations under this Section 8 will continue in accordance with its express terms regardless of any changes in title, position, duties, salary, compensation or benefits or other terms and conditions of employment.  The Company will have the right to assign Employee’s obligations under this Section 8 to its affiliates, successors and assigns.  Employee expressly consents to be bound by the provisions of this Section 8 for the benefit of the Company or any parent, subsidiary or affiliate to whose employ Employee may be transferred without the necessity that this Agreement be re-executed at the time of such transfer. 

			
	
			
				 9.
			Arbitration.  Unless other arrangements are agreed to by Employee and the Company, any disputes arising under or in connection with this Agreement, other than a dispute in which the primary relief sought is an equitable remedy such as an injunction, will be resolved by binding arbitration to be conducted pursuant to the Agreement for Arbitration Procedure of Certain Employment Disputes attached as Exhibit B hereof.  

			
	
			
				 10.
			Assignments: Transfers: Effect of Merger.  No rights or obligations of the Company under this Agreement may be assigned or transferred by the Company except that such rights or obligations may be assigned or transferred pursuant to a merger or consolidation, or pursuant to the sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, provided that the assignee or transferee is the successor to all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.  This Agreement will not be terminated by any merger, consolidation or transfer of assets of the Company referred to above.  In the event of any such merger, consolidation or transfer of assets, the provisions of this Agreement will be binding upon the surviving or resulting corporation or the person or entity to which such assets are transferred.  The Company agrees that concurrently with any merger, consolidation or transfer of assets referred to above, it will cause any successor or transferee unconditionally to assume, either contractually or as a matter of law, all of the obligations of the Company hereunder in a writing promptly delivered to the Employee.  This Agreement will inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by or against, Employee or Employee’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, designees and legatees.  None of Employee’s rights or obligations under this Agreement may be assigned or transferred by Employee other than Employee’s rights to compensation and benefits, which may be transferred only by will or operation of law.  If Employee should die while any amounts or benefits have been accrued by Employee but not yet paid as of the date of Employee's death and which would be payable to Employee hereunder had Employee continued to live, all such amounts and benefits unless otherwise provided herein will be paid or provided in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to such person or persons appointed in writing by Employee to receive such amounts or, if no such person is so appointed, to Employee’s estate. 

			
	
			
				 11.
			No Set-off. No Mitigation Required. Except as expressly provided otherwise in this Agreement, the obligation of the Company to make any payments provided for hereunder and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder will not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against Employee or others. In no event will Employee be obligated to seek other employment or take other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Employee under any of the provisions of this Agreement, and such amounts will not be reduced (except as otherwise specifically provided herein) whether or not Employee obtains other employment

		 

		

			10

		

		

			 

		

 

		

			 

		

			
	
			
				 12.
			Taxes.  The Company shall have the right to deduct from any payments made pursuant to this Agreement any and all federal, state, and local taxes or other amounts required by law to be withheld. 

			
	
			
				 13.
			409A Compliance.  The intent of Employee and the Company is that the severance and other benefits payable to Employee under this Agreement not be deemed “deferred compensation” under, or otherwise fail to comply with, Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.  Employee and the Company agree to use reasonable best efforts to amend the terms of this Agreement from time to time as may be necessary to avoid the imposition of penalties or additional taxes under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code; provided, however, any such amendment will provide Employee substantially equivalent economic payments and benefits as set forth herein and will not in the aggregate, materially increase the cost to, or liability of, the Company hereunder.

			
	
			
				 14.
			Miscellaneous.  No amendment, modification or waiver of any provisions of this Agreement or consent to any departure thereof shall be effective unless in writing signed by the party against whom it is sought to be enforced.  This Agreement contains the entire Agreement that exists between Employee and the Company with respect to the subjects herein contained and replaces and supersedes all prior agreements, oral or written, between the Company and Employee with respect to the subjects herein contained. Nothing herein shall affect any terms in the Confidential Information Agreement, the Agreement for Arbitration Procedure of Certain Employment Disputes, and any stock plans or agreements between Employee and the Company now and hereafter in effect from time to time (except as and to the extent expressly provided herein).  If any provision of this Agreement is held for any reason to be unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. Each section is intended to be a severable and independent section within this Agreement.  The headings in this Agreement are intended solely for convenience of reference and shall be given no effect in the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.  This Agreement is made in the State of Wisconsin and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of said State. 

		
			This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  All notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be considered duly given upon personal delivery, delivery by nationally reputable overnight courier, or on the third business day after mailing from within the United States by first class certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, all addressed to the address set forth below each party's signature.  Any party may change its address by furnishing notice of its new address to the other party in writing in accordance herewith, except that any notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt. 
		

		
			 
		

		
			 
		

		
			
		

		
			 
		

		
			

		 

		

			11

		

		

			 

		

 

		

			 

		

The parties hereto have executed this Employment Agreement as of the date first written above.
		

		
			 
		

		
			 
		

		
			/s/ John K. BakewellJohn K. Bakewell (“Employee”)
		

		
			 
		

		
			Notice Address:
		

		
			645 Good Springs Road
		

		
			Brentwood, Tennessee  37027
		

		
			Exact Sciences Corporation (“Company”)
		

		
			 
		

		
			By:  /s/ Kevin T. Conroy
		

		
			Kevin T. Conroy
		

		
			President and Chief Executive Officer
		

		
			 
		

		
			Notice Address:
		

		
			441 Charmany Drive
		

		
			Madison, WI  53719
		

		
			 
		

		 

		

			[Signature Page to Employment Agreement]

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00254-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00254-of-00352.parquet"}]]