Document:

Exhibit 10.1

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED
 EXECUTIVE SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

 

This Amended and Restated Executive Severance Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into, effective as of August 1, 2016, by and between Jorgen B. Hansen (“Executive”) and Cantel Medical Corp. (“Company”).

 

Background

 

A.            The Company considers the establishment and maintenance of a sound and vital management to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.  The Company believes that, to attract and retain experienced and valuable key executive employees, it is important and prudent to provide such executives with fair compensation should their employment be terminated under certain circumstances, including but not limited to change in control situations.

 

B.            The Company wishes to encourage the Executive to devote his full time and attention to the performance of his management responsibilities and to assist the Board and other management employees in evaluating business options and pursuing the best interests of the Company’s shareholders without being influenced by the uncertainty of his own employment situation.

 

C.            In furtherance of the foregoing, the Company and the Executive previously entered into an Executive Severance Agreement which, among other things, sets forth the compensation and benefits arrangements payable in connection with a termination of employment of the Executive.   The Board has determined that it continues to be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders that this Agreement and the Executive Severance Agreements of other executives of the Company be maintained in order to ensure that the Company will have the continued dedication of the executives throughout their tenure.   The Company and the Executive desire to amend and restate the Agreement as more fully set forth herein.

 

In consideration of the premises, the Executive’s employment by the Company on an at-will basis, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Executive and the Company agree as follows:

 

Agreement

 

1.             Defined Terms.  Throughout this Agreement, when the first letter of a word (or the first letter of each word in a phrase) is capitalized, the word or phrase shall have the meaning specified in Appendix A (beginning on page 15).

 

2.             Term.  This initial Term of this Agreement commenced as of November 15, 2012 and will continue through July 31, 2018; provided, however, that beginning on August 1, 2017, and on the first day of each following August, the Term of this Agreement shall automatically be extended by one year, unless either the Company or the Executive shall have provided notice to the other at least six (6) months before such date that the Term shall not be extended.  Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Section, (i) if a Change in Control occurs during the Term of this Agreement, such Term (other than with respect to the provisions of

 

 

Section 4) shall not end before the second anniversary of the Change in Control; provided, however, this sentence shall apply only to the first Change of Control while this Agreement is in effect; and (ii) termination of this Agreement shall not affect the obligations of the Company hereunder on account of the Executive’s Termination of Employment during the Term.

 

3.             Termination of Employment; Resignation of Officer and Director Positions.  The Executive is an at-will employee.  The Company may Terminate the Executive’s Employment at any time, for any reason whatsoever or for no reason, subject to its payment obligations under this Section and, if applicable, Section 4 or 5.  The Executive may voluntarily Terminate his Employment at any time by providing at least twenty (20) days’ prior notice to the Company.  Regardless of whether the Executive’s Termination of Employment is voluntary or involuntary, the Executive shall resign from any and all of his director positions and offices with the Company and each Related Employer, effective as of his Termination Date.  Upon Termination of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to the following, in addition to any benefits payable under Section 4 or 5:

 

(a)           Any earned but unpaid base salary through his Termination Date, plus any accrued and unused paid time off (PTO) due to the Executive under the Company’s PTO program through his Termination Date, which amounts shall be paid to the Executive not later than the payment date for the payroll period next following his Termination Date.

 

(b)           Provided that the Executive applies for reimbursement in accordance with the Company’s established reimbursement procedures (within the period required by such procedures but under no circumstances later than ninety (90) days after his Termination Date), the Company shall pay the Executive any reimbursements to which he is entitled under such procedures not later than the payment date for the payroll period next following the date on which the Executive applies for reimbursement.

 

(c)           Any benefits (other than severance) payable to the Executive under any of the Company’s cash or equity incentive compensation plans, employee benefit plans or programs, the Company’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan and any successor thereto (the “Equity Plan”) and the agreements issued thereunder (collectively, “Benefit Plans”), to the extent not provided for herein, shall be payable in accordance with the provisions of those plans or programs. This Agreement and all such Benefit Plans that cover the Executive shall be construed in a consistent manner.  In the event of conflict between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and any of the Benefit Plans as they relate to the Executive and any particular payment or award, the order of precedence shall be as follows: (i) this Agreement; (ii) any Benefit Plan that constitutes an employment agreement; (iii) any Benefit Plan that constitutes an annual or long term incentive plan; (iv) the Equity Plan; and (v) any agreement issued under the Equity Plan; provided, however, that no effect shall be given to any provision of this Agreement over any provision of the Equity Plan if and to the extent such provision could not have been approved by the Board as an amendment to the Equity Plan pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Company’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (or any corresponding provision of any successor Equity Plan) without stockholder approval or the consent of the Executive, unless and until such approval or consent has been obtained.

 

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4.             Non-Change of Control Severance and Other Benefits.

 

(a)           Subject to (i) the Executive’s timely filing of a duly executed Release in accordance with Section 19, (ii) such Release becoming effective and irrevocable in accordance with its terms not later than sixty (60) days after the Executive’s Termination of Employment (the last day of such 60-day period being referred to as the “Release Effectiveness Date”), (iii) the provisions of this Section 4, and (iv) the limitations provided in Section 10, the Company shall provide the Executive with the payments and benefits set forth in this Section, if at any time during the Term other than during a Change in Control Coverage Period either (i) the Company Terminates the Executive’s Employment (other than a termination for Cause, Unacceptable Performance, Disability, or death pursuant to Section 7), or (ii) the Executive voluntarily Terminates his Employment for Adequate Reason pursuant to Section 9.  Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Subsection, the Executive shall not be entitled to benefits pursuant to this Section 4, if he is entitled to benefits pursuant to Section 5.

 

(b)           As soon as administratively feasible (and not more than ten (10) days) after the Company’s receipt of the duly executed Release and the Release becoming effective and irrevocable, the Company shall pay to the Executive a single lump sum payment equal to the product of two (2) times the sum of (A) the Executive’s Annual Base Salary at the rate in effect as of the Termination Date plus (B) 100%(1) of the Executive’s Annual Base Salary at the rate in effect as of the Termination Date.  For purposes of determining the Executive’s Annual Base Salary Rate pursuant to the preceding sentence, any reduction to the Executive’s salary during the six-month period preceding his Termination of Employment (other than in connection with an “across-the-board” reduction in salary of all senior executives of the Company with the approval of the Company’s CEO) shall be disregarded.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Release Effectiveness Date falls in the calendar year next succeeding the calendar year of the Termination Date, the lump sum payment will be made no earlier than the first business day of such next succeeding calendar year.

 

(c)           If the Termination Date of the Executive occurs subsequent to the last day of a Fiscal Year for which the Executive has not been paid his Bonus, then the Executive shall be entitled to his full Bonus for such Fiscal Year to the extent otherwise earned under the terms of the Bonus Plan for such Fiscal Year (as if the Executive’s employment had not been Terminated prior to the next Bonus payment date). Such amount shall be paid to the Executive not later than seventy five (75) days following the close of such Fiscal Year.  Amounts payable under this Subparagraph (c) will be deemed payments attributable to the Executive’s employment prior to or on the Termination Date and not as severance.

 

(d)           The Company shall pay to the Executive a pro-rated Bonus for the Fiscal Year in which the Termination Date occurs, determined by multiplying (i) the amount of the Executive’s full Bonus for such Fiscal Year that would have been earned under the terms of the Bonus Plan for such Fiscal Year (as in effect immediately prior to the Termination Date) if the

 

(1)  This percentage represents the Executive’s bonus percentage in effect as of the date of this Agreement.  Such percentage shall increase automatically at any time the Executive’s bonus percentage is increased by the Company’s Compensation Committee of the Board (or by the Board itself).  Such increase shall be to the new approved bonus percentage as documented in resolutions of the Compensation Committee set forth in a written consent or minutes of proceedings of the Committee (or Board).

 

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Executive’s employment had continued through the next Bonus payment date, by (ii) a fraction, (A) the numerator of which is the number of full or partial months since the end of the prior Fiscal Year in which the Executive was employed by the Company, and (B) the denominator of which is 12.  Such amount shall be paid to the Executive not later than seventy five (75) days following the close of such Fiscal Year.  To the extent that a Bonus is payable to the Executive under Subparagraph (c) or (d) of this Section 4 for any Fiscal Year, the Executive shall not also be entitled to any Bonus payment for such Fiscal Year under the terms of the applicable Bonus Plan.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if no Bonus Plan has been finalized (i.e., approved by the Compensation Committee and disseminated to the Executive) for the Fiscal Year in which such Termination Date occurs either prior to the commencement of such Fiscal Year or within three months following the commencement of such Fiscal Year, then the Bonus for such Fiscal Year payable under this Subparagraph (d) will be determined in accordance with the first sentence of Section 5(b)(2) (as if the pro rata Bonus payment under that Section was required). Amounts payable under this Subparagraph (d) will be deemed payments attributable to the Executive’s employment prior to or on the Termination Date and not as severance.

 

(e)           If the Executive is eligible for and properly elects Continuation Coverage for himself and/or one or more qualified beneficiaries (as defined in ERISA Section 607(3)) under the Company’s medical plan, the Company shall pay the premiums for such coverage (or reimburse the Executive for such premiums) for the eighteen (18) month period following the Executive’s Termination of Employment (or such shorter period during which such person is eligible for Continuation Coverage).  Such payments or reimbursements shall constitute taxable income of the Executive to the extent required by law.

 

(f)            The Company shall pay the cost of outplacement services incurred by the Executive during the twelve (12) month period following his Termination of Employment and provided by a firm of the Executive’s choice, up to a total of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000).  Payment for outplacement expenses shall be made by the Company promptly following the Company’s receipt of appropriate invoices documenting such expenses.

 

(g)           Notwithstanding the preceding provisions or any other provisions herein to the contrary, if the Executive’s Employment is Terminated during a Change in Control Coverage Period, either by the Executive for Good Reason or by the Company for any reason other than for Cause or death, then the Executive shall be entitled to the payments and benefits that would have been provided to him pursuant to Section 5 if the Company had Terminated his Employment without Cause during a Change in Control Coverage Period (reduced by any payments or benefits provided to him pursuant to this Section 4).  In such a case, the Executive shall not be required to execute an additional Release, and any Release requirement specified in Section 5 shall be deemed satisfied on the Change in Control Date.

 

(h)           Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Section, if the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i), the Company shall promptly deliver written notice to the Executive advising him of the application of such Code Section. Solely to the extent necessary to avoid adverse personal tax consequences to the Executive under Code Section 409A, payments otherwise required to be made to the Executive pursuant to this Section 4 shall be delayed to the earlier of (i) six months and one day after the Executive’s Termination Date, or (ii) the Executive’s death.  For purposes of this Subparagraph, the Executive’s Date of Termination shall be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with the

 

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term “separation from service” as defined in Code Section 409A and the Treasury Regulations thereunder. Interest shall accrue on unpaid amounts delayed under this subparagraph at the prime rate from time to time in effect at JP Morgan Chase Bank or any successor bank commencing from the date that such amounts would otherwise have been due under the applicable provision.

 

5.             Change of Control Severance and Other Benefits.

 

(a)           Subject to (i) the Executive’s timely filing of a duly executed Release in accordance with Section 19, (ii) such Release becoming effective and irrevocable in accordance with its terms not later than the Release Effectiveness Date (i.e., the sixtieth day after the Executive’s Termination of Employment), (iii) the provisions of this Section 5, and (iv) the limitations provided in Section 10, the Company shall provide the Executive with the payments and benefits set forth in this Section, if during a Change in Control Coverage Period, (A) the Company Terminates the Executive’s Employment (other than a termination for Cause or death pursuant to Section 7), or (B) the Executive voluntarily Terminates his Employment for Good Reason pursuant to Section 9.  Amounts payable pursuant to this Section shall be subject to the limitations and reimbursement expressly provided in this Agreement.

 

(b)           As soon as administratively feasible (and not more than five (5) business days) after the Company’s receipt of the duly executed Release and the Release becoming effective and irrevocable in accordance with its terms, the Company shall pay to the Executive a single lump sum payment in an amount equal to the sum of the following:

 

(1)           the product of (i) two (2) times (ii) the sum of (A) the Executive’s Annual Base Salary, at the greater of the rate in effect on the Change in Control Date or the Termination Date (disregarding any reduction in the rate of the Executive’s salary during the six-month period immediately preceding his Termination of Employment), plus (B) the greater of (I) 100%(2) of the amount determined under clause (A) of this Subparagraph or (II) the average of the annual Bonuses paid to the Executive for the two Fiscal Years preceding the year in which the Executive’s Employment is Terminated.  Amounts payable under this Subparagraph (b)(1) will be deemed severance; and

 

(2)           a pro-rata Bonus amount, determined by multiplying (i) the greater of (A) 100%(3) of the amount determined under clause (A) of the preceding Subparagraph (b)(1) or (B) the average of the annual Bonuses paid to the Executive for the two years Fiscal Years preceding the Fiscal Year in which the Executive’s Employment is Terminated, by (ii) a fraction, (A) the numerator of which is the number of full or partial months since the end of the prior Fiscal Year in which the Executive has been employed by the Company, and (B) the denominator of which is 12.  However, if the Executive did not receive the annual Bonus he would have earned under the applicable Bonus Plan for the preceding Fiscal Year if his employment had continued through the Bonus payment date, then the numerator shall be the number of full or partial months since the beginning of the preceding Fiscal Year to the date of

 

(1),(2) This percentage represents the Executive’s bonus percentage in effect as of the date of this Agreement.  Such percentage shall increase automatically at any time the Executive’s bonus percentage is increased by the Company’s Compensation Committee of the Board (or by the Board itself).  Such increase shall be to the new approved bonus percentage as documented in resolutions of the Compensation Committee set forth in a written consent or minutes of proceedings of the Committee (or Board).

 

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termination in which the Executive was employed by the Company. To the extent that a Bonus is payable to the Executive under this Subparagraph (b)(2) for the Fiscal Year in which the Termination Date occurs or such preceding Fiscal Year, the Executive shall not also be entitled to any Bonus payment for such Fiscal Year under the terms of the applicable Bonus Plan. Amounts payable under this Subparagraph (b)(2) will be deemed payments attributable to the Executive’s employment prior to or on the Termination Date and not as severance.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Release Effectiveness Date falls in the calendar year next succeeding the calendar year of the Termination Date, the lump sum payment will be made no earlier than the first business day of such next succeeding calendar year.

 

(c)           If the Executive is eligible for and properly elects Continuation Coverage for himself and/or one or more qualified beneficiaries (as defined in ERISA Section 607(3)) under the Company’s medical plan, the Company shall pay the premiums for such coverage (or reimburse the Executive for such premiums) for the twenty-four (24) month period following the Executive’s Termination of Employment (or such shorter period during which such person is eligible for Continuation Coverage).  Such payments or reimbursements shall constitute taxable income of the Executive to the extent required by law.

 

(d)           For the twenty-four (24) month period following the Executive’s Termination of Employment, the Company shall continue to provide term life insurance coverage substantially the same as that provided for the Executive immediately before his Termination Date (if any).

 

(e)           The Company shall pay the cost of outplacement services incurred by the Executive during the twelve (12) month period following his Termination of Employment and provided by a firm of the Executives’ choice, up to a total of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000).  Payment for outplacement expenses shall be paid directly by the Company promptly following the Company’s receipt of appropriate invoices documenting such expenses.

 

(f)            Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Section, if the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i), the Company shall promptly deliver written notice to the Executive advising him of the application of such Code Section. Solely to the extent necessary to avoid adverse personal tax consequences to the Executive under Code Section 409A, payments otherwise required to be made to the Executive pursuant to this Section 5 shall be delayed to the earlier of (i) six months and one day after the Executive’s Termination Date, or (ii) the Executive’s death.  For purposes of this Subparagraph, the Executive’s Termination Date shall be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with the term “separation from service” as defined in Code Section 409A and the Treasury Regulations thereunder. Interest shall accrue on unpaid amounts delayed under this subparagraph at the prime rate from time to time in effect at JP Morgan Chase Bank or any successor bank commencing from the date that such amounts would otherwise have been due under the applicable provision.

 

6.             Provisions Relating to Parachute Payments.  If payments and benefits to or for the benefit of the Executive, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, would result in total Parachute Payments to the Executive with a value equal to or greater than one hundred percent (100%) of the Parachute Payment Limit, the Executive may, in his sole discretion, elect to reduce the amount payable pursuant to Section 5(b) so that the value of all Parachute

 

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Payments to the Executive, whether or not made pursuant to this Agreement, is equal to the Parachute Payment Limit minus One Dollar ($1.00).

 

7.             Termination of Employment by the Company for Cause, Unacceptable Performance, Disability, or Death.

 

(a)           The Company may cause a Termination of the Executive’s Employment for Disability at any time.  To do so, the Board must provide the Executive with a notice of termination specifying the Termination Date and the circumstances constituting Disability.

 

(b)           The Company may cause a Termination of the Executive’s Employment for Unacceptable Performance at any time during the Term other than during a Change in Control Coverage Period. To do so, the Executive must be provided with a notice of termination from either (i) the Board or (ii) the Chairman of the Board of the Company with approval of the Board, which in either case specifies the Termination Date and the specific act(s) or failure(s) constituting Unacceptable Performance.  If the notice identifies an act or failure constituting Unacceptable Performance, it shall be accompanied by a resolution duly adopted by a majority of the entire membership of the Board and, if the act or failure is subject to correction under the definition of Unacceptable Performance and related definitions in this Agreement, the notice shall also specify the period during which the act or failure must be corrected, which in no event shall be less than thirty (30) days.  If the Board reasonably determines that the Executive has not corrected the act or failure in all material respects within the required correction period, the Board or the Chairman of the Board must then provide a second notice of termination stating the reasons for the termination and the Termination Date, and the Executive’s Employment shall terminate on such Date.

 

(c)             The Company may cause a Termination of the Executive’s Employment for Cause at any time.  To do so, the Executive must be provided with a notice of termination from either (i) the Board or (ii) the Chairman of the Board of the Company with approval of the Board, which in either case specifies the Termination Date and the specific act(s) or failure(s) constituting Cause.  If the notice identifies an act or failure constituting Cause, it shall be accompanied by a resolution duly adopted by not less than a majority of the entire membership of the Board (after reasonable notice to the Executive and an opportunity for the Executive, together with legal counsel, to be heard by the Board), finding, in the reasonable opinion of the Board, that one or more of the events of Cause has occurred and specifying in reasonable detail the acts or omissions constituting Cause.  If the act or failure constituting Cause is subject to correction under the definition of Cause and related definitions in this Agreement, the notice shall also specify the period during which the act or failure must be corrected, which in no event shall be less than thirty (30) days.  If the Board acting in good faith determines that the Executive has not corrected the act or failure in all material respects within the required correction period, the Board or the Chairman of the Board must then provide a second notice of termination stating the reasons for the termination and the Termination Date, and the Executive’s Employment shall terminate on such Date.

 

(d)             If the Executive dies before a Termination of Employment, his Employment shall terminate automatically on the date of his death.

 

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(e)             In the case of a Termination of Employment for Cause or Unacceptable Performance pursuant to this Section, the Executive shall not be entitled to benefits or payments pursuant to Section 4 or 5; provided, however, if the Company causes a Termination of the Executive’s Employment for Unacceptable Performance and the Termination Date of such termination occurs during a Change in Control Coverage Period, then such termination shall be deemed a Termination of the Executive’s Employment “other than a termination for Cause” under Section 5(a) and thereby obligate the Company to provide the Executive with the payments and benefits set forth in Section 5.

 

(f)              In the case of a Termination of Employment due to Disability (at any time during the Term other than during a Change in Control Coverage Period) or death pursuant to this Section, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive, if living, or other person or persons as the Executive may from time to time designate in writing as the beneficiary of such payments, the Annual Base Salary in effect at the time when such Disability or death occurred, during the three-month period following such Disability or death.  The Company shall also pay a pro rated Bonus for the Fiscal Year in which the Termination Date occurs, determined by multiplying (i) the amount of the Executive’s full Bonus for such Fiscal Year that would have been earned under the terms of the Bonus Plan for such Fiscal Year (as in effect immediately prior to the Termination Date) if the Executive’s employment had continued through the next Bonus payment date, by (ii) a fraction, (A) the numerator of which is the number of full or partial months since the end of the prior Fiscal Year in which the Executive was employed by the Company, and (B) the denominator of which is 12.  Such amount shall be paid to the Executive not later than seventy five (75) days following the close of such Fiscal Year.  To the extent that a Bonus is payable to the Executive under this Section 7(f) for the Fiscal Year in which the Termination Date occurs, the Executive will not also be entitled to a Bonus payment for such Fiscal Year under the terms of the applicable Bonus Plan. Except for such Annual Base Salary and Bonus, the Company shall have no further obligation pursuant to this Section.

 

8.             Accelerated Vesting of Equity Awards upon Certain Events.

 

(a)           In the event of any termination described in Section 4(a) or 5(a) or in the event that the Executive terminates his Employment for Adequate Reason or Good Reason pursuant to Section 9, in any such case prior to the full vesting of stock options or restricted stock then held by the Executive (i.e., the options becoming exercisable in their entirety and the restricted stock ceasing to have any risks of forfeiture), then, effective as of the Termination Date, all such options and restricted stock then held by the Executive will become automatically fully exercisable and all restrictions of such options and restricted stock awards will automatically lapse.  In the event of any termination of the Executive’s Employment as a result of the Executive’s Retirement prior to the full vesting of stock options then held by the Executive, then effective as of the Termination Date, all such stock options will become automatically fully exercisable and all restrictions of such options will automatically lapse.

 

(b)           In the event of a termination of the Executive’s Employment pursuant to Section 7 due to death, in any such case prior to the full vesting of stock options and restricted stock then held by the Executive, all of the Executive’s stock options and restricted stock awards will automatically vest as of the Termination Date.  In the event of a termination of the Executive’s Employment pursuant to Section 7 due to Disability, those tranches of the Executive’s stock option and restricted stock awards which would have vested within the twelve

 

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(12) month period following the Termination Date but for the Executive’s termination of Employment will automatically vest as of the Termination Date.

 

(c)           The accelerated vesting provided for in this Agreement in connection with certain Terminations following a Change in Control shall not be deemed to limit any acceleration of vesting that the Executive is entitled to upon a Change in Control under the Company’s Long Term Incentive Plan or any other benefit plan that the Executive is covered by as of the effective time of the Change in Control.

 

(d)           Nothing herein shall be deemed to cause the acceleration of the vesting of a Performance Award issued under the Equity Plan.

 

(e)           Notwithstanding anything set forth herein, the Company may in its discretion accelerate the vesting of any stock options or restricted stock held by the Executive in the event of a termination of the Executive’s Employment for any reason.

 

9.             Resignation by Executive for Adequate Reason or Good Reason.  If an event of Adequate Reason or Good Reason occurs during the Term, the Executive may, at any time within the ninety (90) day period following such event, provide the Company with a notice of termination under Section 4 (in the case of Adequate Reason) or Section 5, if applicable (in the case of Good Reason) specifying the event of Adequate Reason or Good Reason and notifying the Company of his intention to Terminate Employment upon the Company’s failure to correct the event of Adequate Reason or Good Reason (as applicable) within thirty (30) days following receipt of the Executive’s notice of termination.  If the Company fails to correct the event of Adequate Reason or Good Reason (as applicable) and provide the Executive with notice of such correction within such thirty (30) day period, the Executive’s Employment shall terminate as of the end of such period, and the Executive shall be entitled to benefits as provided in Section 3 and Section 4 or 5, as applicable.

 

10.          Limitation on Payments and Benefits.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to the following limitations:

 

(a)           No payment (other than a payment pursuant to Section 3) shall be made pursuant to this Agreement until the Release has become effective according to its terms.

 

(b)           If the Executive intentionally and materially breaches any provision of the Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement, and fails to cure such breach (if curable) within thirty (30) days, he shall promptly repay to the Company any and all severance amounts previously paid to him pursuant to Section 4 and/or 5, and he shall have no further rights pursuant to this Agreement.

 

(c)           Payments hereunder shall be limited to the extent provided in Section 6.

 

11.          No Obligation to Mitigate.  The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefits provided for under Section 4 or 5 by seeking other employment or otherwise, and the amount of any payment or benefits provided for under Section 4 or 5 shall not be reduced by any payments or benefits received by the Executive as the result of

 

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employment by another employer after the Termination Date, or otherwise; provided, however, that the amount payable under Section 4 or 5 shall be reduced by the amount of any severance, termination, or notice pay (or any other similar amounts) required by law to be paid to the Executive by the Company or its subsidiaries and by any salary or other amounts paid to the Executive during any notice period that the Company or its subsidiaries is required by law to provide.

 

12.          Withholding and Taxes.  The Company may withhold from any payment made hereunder (i) any taxes that the Company reasonably determines are required to be withheld under federal, state, or local tax laws or regulations, and (ii) any other amounts that the Company is authorized to withhold.  Except for employment taxes that are the obligation of the Company, the Executive shall pay all federal, state, local, and other taxes (including, without limitation, interest, fines, and penalties) imposed on him under applicable law by virtue of or relating to the payments and/or benefits contemplated by this Agreement, subject to any reimbursement provisions of this Agreement.

 

13.          Indemnification.  The Executive shall continue to be entitled to any rights to insurance and indemnification under the Company’s or a Related Employer’s directors and officers liability insurance (“D&O Insurance”), Certificate of Incorporation, and Bylaws, as in effect before the earlier of the Executive’s Termination of Employment or a Change in Control (or rights to insurance and indemnification that are substantially the same thereto), with respect to any claims relating to the period before his Termination Date.  Additionally, any and all D&O Insurance policies obtained by the Company or a Related Employer following the Termination Date that are “claims made” polices shall cover the Executive to the same extent as other former officers of the Company.

 

14.          Default in Payment.  Any payment not made within ten (10) days after it is due in accordance with this Agreement shall thereafter bear interest, compounded quarterly, at 5% above the prime rate from time to time in effect at JP Morgan Chase Bank or any successor bank.

 

15.          Effect on Other Plans, Agreements, and Benefits.  Except to the extent expressly set forth herein, any benefit or compensation to which the Executive is entitled under any agreement between the Executive and the Company or any of its subsidiaries or under any plan maintained by the Company or any of its subsidiaries in which the Executive participates or participated shall not be modified or lessened in any way, but shall be payable according to the terms of the applicable plan or agreement.  The terms of this Agreement shall supersede and terminate any prior change in control and/or severance agreement, and (except as expressly provided herein and other than pursuant to the Equity Plan or any predecessor equity plan under which awards are granted to the Executive) the provisions of any other agreement or plan providing benefits following a change in control or termination of employment, entered into between the Executive and the Company or any subsidiary thereof.  Notwithstanding the above, any severance benefits received by the Executive pursuant to this Agreement shall be in lieu of any severance benefits to which the Executive would otherwise be entitled under any general severance policy maintained by the Company or the relevant subsidiary for its management personnel or under any employment contract between the Executive and the Company or any subsidiary thereof provided that, for purposes of this sentence, the Long Term Incentive Plan and equity award plans shall not be deemed general severance policies of the Company.  Any and all employment agreements between the Company and the Executive, inclusive of provisions that in

 

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accordance with the terms of such agreements survive termination, are hereby terminated and void.

 

16.          Unsecured Obligation.  All rights of the Executive or any beneficiary of the Executive who succeeds to the Executive’s rights to payments or benefits under this Agreement shall at all times be entirely unfunded and no provision shall at any time be made with respect to segregating any assets of the Company or payment of any amounts due hereunder.  Neither the Executive nor any such beneficiary shall have any interest in or rights against any specific assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, and the Executive and any such beneficiary shall have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company.

 

17.          Prohibition Against Assignment.  The Executive may not assign, pledge, anticipate, or transfer any benefit or amount payable hereunder (other than benefits payable upon or following his death), and any attempt to assign, pledge, anticipate, or transfer such and benefit or amount hereunder, whether voluntary or involuntary, shall be null and void.

 

18.          Successors.

 

(a)           The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, by agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Executive, to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.  Failure of the Company to obtain such agreement before the effectiveness of any such succession shall be a material breach of this Agreement.  As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined, and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid that executes and delivers the agreement provided for in this Subparagraph or otherwise becomes bound by all the terms and provisions of this Agreement by operation of law.

 

(b)           This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees, and legatees.  If the Executive should die while any amounts would still be payable to him hereunder, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the Executive’s devisee, legatee, or other designee or, if there be no such designee, to the Executive’s estate.

 

19.          Release.  In consideration of the Company’s promises and covenants and the performance thereof, the Executive agrees that the Company’s payment obligations under Sections 4 and 5 shall be conditioned on the Executive’s release of the Company and all other persons named in the Release from any and all causes of causes of action that the Executive has or may have against the Company or any such person before the effective date of the Release, other than a cause based on a breach hereof.  The Release shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit I.  For the Release to be effective, the Executive (or his representative or agent) must have provided a signed version of the Release to the Company and such Release shall have become effective and irrevocable by its terms within sixty (60) days after the Executive’s Termination of Employment.

 

11

 

20.          Disputes.

 

(a)           In any judicial or other proceedings in which the Executive’s right to, or the amount of, benefits hereunder is disputed, the ultimate burden of proof shall be on the Company.

 

(b)           Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Little Falls, New Jersey by three arbitrators, one of whom shall be appointed by the Company, one of whom shall be appointed by the Executive, and the third of whom shall be appointed by the first two arbitrators.  If either the Company or the Executive fails to appoint an arbitrator within 20 days of a request in writing by the other to do so, or if the first two arbitrators cannot agree on the appointment of a third arbitrator within 20 days after the second arbitrator is designated, then such arbitrator shall be appointed by the Chief Judge of the United States District Court located in the city of Newark, New Jersey, or upon his failure to act, by the American Arbitration Association so as to enable the arbitrators to render an award within 90 days after the three arbitrators have been appointed.  Following the selection of arbitrators as set forth above, the arbitration shall be conducted promptly and expeditiously and in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.  Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction; provided, however, that the Executive shall be entitled to seek specific performance of his right to be paid during the pendency of any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement.

 

(c)           The Company shall pay all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including reasonable legal fees and legal expenses, incurred by the Executive in connection with any judicial or other proceeding, including any arbitration proceeding, to enforce this Agreement or to construe, determine, or defend the validity of this Agreement.  The Company shall pay (or reimburse the Executive) for any such expense as soon as administratively practicable after the Executive demonstrates evidence that such expense have been incurred and not later than thirty (30) days following the Executive’s submission of such expenses to the Company with a request for reimbursement.

 

21.          Miscellaneous Provisions.

 

(a)           Entire Agreement.  Except as expressly provided herein, this Agreement contains the entire agreement and understanding of the parties regarding the transactions contemplated herein and supersedes all prior agreements, arrangements, or understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof, including, without limitation, any letters, agreements, or understandings between the Executive and the Company or any subsidiary thereof before the date hereof.  By entering into this Severance Agreement, the Executive waives any right that he may otherwise have to participate in any generally applicable severance plan of the Company or any Related Employer.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall be deemed to limit any rights the Executive may have in connection with his equity awards under the Long Term Incentive Plan or the Company’s Equity Plan and the equity award agreements issued thereunder.

 

(b)           Amendment.  No provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived, except by written agreement signed by both the Company and the Executive.

 

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(c)           Governing Law.  This Agreement is intended to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A, and it shall be construed in accordance with such intent.  Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with, and governed by, the internal laws of the State of New Jersey without regard to principles of conflict of laws.

 

(d)           Headings.  The headings in this Agreement have been inserted solely for ease of reference and shall not be considered in the interpretation or enforcement of this Agreement.

 

(e)           Severability.  If any provision of the Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.  If any provision of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to conflict with any federal, state, or local law, such provision is hereby declared to be of such force and effect as is permissible in such jurisdiction.

 

(f)            Rights and Waivers.  All rights and remedies of the parties hereto are separate and cumulative, and no one of them, whether exercised or not, shall be deemed to exclude, limit, or prejudice any other right or remedy that either of the parties hereto may have.  No party to this Agreement shall be deemed to waive any right or remedy under this Agreement, unless such waiver is in writing and signed by such party.  No delay or omission on the part of either party in exercising any right or remedy shall operate as a waiver of such right or remedy or any other right or remedy.  A waiver on any one occasion shall not be construed as a bar to or a waiver of any right or remedy on any future occasion.

 

(g)           Notices.  All notices hereunder shall be in writing.  A notice by the Company shall be deemed to have been given only when delivered in person to the Executive or mailed by first class United States Mail, Return Receipt Requested, or sent by overnight delivery (or the fastest delivery available, if overnight delivery is not available) by means of an internationally recognized delivery service, to the Executive at his most recent address on the records of the Company.  A notice by the Executive to the Company shall be deemed to have been given only when delivered in person to the Company’s General Counsel or mailed by first class United States Mail, Return Receipt Requested, or sent by overnight delivery (or the fastest delivery available, if overnight delivery is not available) by means of an internationally recognized delivery service, to the Company’s General Counsel at the Company’s headquarters.

 

(h)           Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument, and may be delivered by facsimile or pdf.

 

22.          No Reliance.  The Executive represents and acknowledges that in executing this Agreement, the Executive does not rely and has not relied upon any representation or statement by the Company or its agents, other than statements contained in this Agreement.

 

Signature page follows

 

13

 

The parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed on the day and year first above written.

 

 

	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Jorgen B. Hansen
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
CANTEL MEDICAL   CORP.
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Eric W. Nodiff
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Senior Vice   President and General Counsel
    

 

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APPENDIX A

 

DEFINED TERMS

 

For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings specified below:

 

“Adequate Reason” means any of the following without the express written consent of the Executive:

 

(i)            a material reduction in the Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities or the assignment to the Executive of duties of a substantial nature and on a continuous or regular basis that are materially inconsistent with the duties of the Executive;

 

(ii)           a reduction in the Executive’s base compensation (other than in connection with an “across-the-board” reduction in base compensation of the senior executives of the Company approved in advance by the Company’s CEO) or failure to include the Executive with other similarly situated employees in any incentive, bonus, or benefit plans as may be offered by the Company from time to time;

 

(iii)          a change in the primary location at which the Executive is required to perform the duties of his employment to a location that is more than thirty (30) miles from the location at which his office is located on the effective date of this Agreement; or

 

(iv)          the Company’s material breach of this Agreement.

 

“Annual Base Salary” means the annual base cash compensation payable to the Executive at the rate in effect as of the applicable date (excluding bonuses, incentive compensation, taxable fringe benefits, and any other type of special pay), before any reduction on account of salary reduction contributions pursuant to Code Section 125 or 401(k) or pursuant to a nonqualified deferred compensation plan.

 

“Board” means the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

“Bonus” means an annual cash bonus payable under any Bonus Plan.

 

“Bonus Plan” means any bonus plan, short term incentive compensation plan or other like benefit plan in which the Executive participates, whether or not awards thereunder are discretionary, including without limitation, the Annual Incentive Compensation Plan as in effect for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2017, as amended.

 

“Cause” means the Executive’s:

 

(i)            act of fraud, embezzlement, theft, or other intentional material violation of the law in connection with or in the course of his employment;

 

(ii)           willful gross misconduct that is likely to materially injure the reputation, business, or a business relationship of the Company; or

 

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(iii)          willful material violation of the Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement.

 

For purposes of the definition of “Cause”, no act, or failure to act, on the part of the Executive shall be deemed “willful,” if it was done or omitted by the Executive in good faith or with a reasonable belief that the act or omission was not opposed to the best interests of the Company.

 

“Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) at any time after the Effective Date at least a majority of the Board shall cease to consist of “Continuing Directors” (meaning directors of the Company who either were directors on the Effective Date or who subsequently became directors and whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, was approved by a majority of the then Continuing Directors); or (ii) any “person” or “group” (as determined for purposes of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), except any majority-owned subsidiary of the Company or any employee benefit plan of the Company or any trust thereunder, shall have acquired “beneficial ownership” (as determined for purposes of Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Regulation 13d-3) of Shares having more than 50% of the voting power of all outstanding Shares; or (iii) a merger or consolidation occurs to which the Company is a party, in which outstanding Shares are converted into shares of another company (other than a conversion into shares of voting common stock of the successor corporation or a holding company thereof representing 80% of the voting power of all capital stock thereof outstanding immediately after the merger or consolidation) or other securities (of either the Company or another company) or cash or other property; or (iv) the sale of all, or substantially all, of the Company’s assets occurs; or (v) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company.

 

“Change in Control Date” means the effective date of an event constituting a Change in Control.

 

“Change in Control Period” means the period beginning on the date of a Change in Control and ending two years thereafter.

 

“Change in Control Coverage Period” means the period (A) commencing on the earlier to occur of (i) the first day of a Potential Change Period or (ii) the first day of the six (6) month period ending on the Change in Control Date and (B) ending on the last day of a Change in Control Period.

 

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

 

“Company” means Cantel Medical Corp. and any successor, to the extent provided in Section 18.

 

“Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement” means the confidentiality and non-competition agreement between the Company and the Executive, as in effect from time to time.

 

“Continuation Coverage” means continuation coverage within the meaning of ERISA Sections 601 through 607.

 

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“Disability” means an illness or injury that qualifies the Executive for disability benefits under a long-term disability plan of the Company or a Related Employer in which the Executive is a participant; provided, however, that a Disability shall not be deemed to have occurred hereunder unless the Executive is absent from work or otherwise substantially unable to assume his normal duties for a period of ninety (90) successive days or an aggregate of one hundred twenty (120) days during any consecutive twelve-month period during the Term.

 

“Equity Plan” means that Cantel Medical Corp. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and any successor equity plan thereto.

 

“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.

 

“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as in effect on the date of this Agreement.

 

“Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company.

 

“Good Reason” means any of the following during a Change in Control Coverage Period without the Executive’s express written consent:

 

(i)            a material reduction in the Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities or the assignment to the Executive of duties of a substantial nature and on a continuous or regular basis that are materially inconsistent with the duties of the Executive;

 

(ii)           a reduction in the Executive’s base compensation or failure to include the Executive with other similarly situated employees in any incentive, bonus, or benefit plans as may be offered by the Company from time to time;

 

(iii)          a change in the primary location at which the Executive is required to perform the duties of his employment to a location that is more than thirty (30) miles from the location at which his office is located on the Change in Control Date;

 

(iv)          the Company’s material breach of this Agreement;

 

(v)           a material reduction in the authority, duties, or responsibilities of the supervisor to whom the Executive is required to report; or

 

(vi)          a material reduction in the scope of the budget over which the Executive retains authority or responsibility.

 

“Long Term Incentive Plan” means the Company’s Long Term Incentive Plan as in effect for the Company’s fiscal year ending July 31, 2011, as amended, and any successor plan thereto.

 

“Monthly Base Salary” means Annual Base Salary, divided by twelve (12).

 

“Parachute Payment” has the meaning given to such term in Code Section 280G(b)(2).

 

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“Parachute Payment Limit” means three (3) times the base amount, as defined by Code Section 280G(b)(3).

 

“Potential Change in Control” means that:

 

(i)            the Company has entered into an agreement with any person or persons, the consummation of which would constitute or result in a Change in Control; or

 

(ii)           any person has publicly announced its intention to take or consider taking actions that, if consummated, would constitute or result in a Change in Control; or

 

(iii)          any person has begun a solicitation (as defined in Rule 14a-1 of the Securities Exchange Act) of proxies or consents that has the purpose of effecting or would (if successful) result in a Change in Control; or

 

(iv)          any person has initiated a tender offer or exchange offer that would, if consummated, result in a Change in Control; or

 

(v)           the Board has adopted a resolution to the effect that any person has begun actions that, if consummated, would result a Change in Control.

 

“Potential Change Period” means the period beginning on the first day of a Potential Change in Control and ending on the adoption by the Board of a resolution to the effect that the agreement, announced intention or actions, solicitation, tender offer, exchange offer, or other actions constituting a Potential Change in Control has been consummated.

 

“Related Employer” means the Company and any other employer that is required to be aggregated with the Company pursuant to Code Section 414(b), (c), or (m).

 

“Release” means a Release of All Claims, in substantially the same form as set out in Exhibit A hereto.

 

“Retirement” means the Executive’s termination of his employment with the Company or its subsidiary (other than as a result of death or Disability) on or after (A) the Executive’s 65th birthday if the Executive has completed at least ten years of employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or (B) the Executive’s 60th birthday if the Executive has completed at least 15 years of employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

 

“Shares” means shares of common stock of the Company.

 

“Term” means the term of this Agreement, as determined pursuant to Section 2.

 

“Terminates Employment”, “Terminate(s) the Executive’s Employment”, “Termination of Employment,” or any other variation of such term means a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(A).

 

“Termination Date” means the effective date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment.

 

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“Unacceptable Performance” means any of the following:

 

(i)            the Executive’s act or failure to act constituting willful misconduct or gross negligence that is materially injurious to the Company or its reputation;

 

(ii)           the Executive’s material failure to perform the duties of his employment (except in the case of a Termination of Employment for Good Reason or Adequate Reason or on account of the Executive’s physical or mental inability to perform such duties) and the failure to correct such failure within a reasonable period after receiving written notice from the Board describing such failure in detail; provided, however, that the quality of the Executive’s performance (determined by achievement of Company or personal targets or otherwise) shall not be a factor in determining whether Executive has performed his duties.

 

(iii)          the Executive’s violation of any code of ethics or business conduct or written harassment policies of the Company that continues after the Board has provided notice to the Executive that the continuation of such conduct will result in the Termination of the Executive’s Employment;

 

(iv)          willful material violation of the Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement;

 

(v)           the Executive’s arrest or indictment for (i) a felony or (ii) lesser criminal offense involving dishonesty, breach of trust, or moral turpitude; or

 

(vi)          the Executive’s breach of a material term, condition, or covenant of this Agreement and the failure to correct such breach promptly following receipt of written notice from the Board describing such breach in detail.

 

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EXHIBIT I
 RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS

 

This Release of All Claims (“Release”) has been signed by Jorgen B. Hansen (“Executive”) on the date indicated below.

 

Background

 

A.            The Executive and Cantel Medical Corp. (“Company”) entered into an Amended and Restated Executive Severance Agreement, effective as of August 1, 2016 (“Agreement”), which provides for the payment of benefits to the Executive under certain circumstances following his Termination of Employment.

 

B.            The Executive’s Employment with the Company Terminated/will Terminate on        , under circumstances that entitle him to payments under the Agreement, subject to the terms thereof.

 

C.            The Company’s obligations under the Agreement are contingent on the Executive signing and providing this Release to the Company within 60 days after receiving it and allowing this Release to become effective as provided herein.

 

D.            As a condition of receiving benefits under the Agreement, the Executive wishes to sign this Release.

 

In consideration of the premises and for other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Executive agrees as follows:

 

Release

 

1.             If the Executive (i) signs and dates this Release and submits it to the Company not later than 60 days after it is provided to the Executive, (ii) complies with the other requirements of this Release and the Agreement, and (iii) and does not provide written revocation of this Agreement to the Company within the seven-day revocation period referred to in Paragraph 8, the Company shall make the payments and pay the benefits required by the Agreement.

 

2.             In consideration of the Company’s payment obligations under this Agreement, the Executive releases and discharges the Company, all of its past and/or present divisions, affiliates, officers, directors, shareholders, partners, trustees, employees, agents, representatives, administrators, attorneys, insurers, fiduciaries, successors, and assigns, in their individual and/or representative capacities (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Released Persons”), from any and all causes of action, suits, agreements, promises, damages, disputes, controversies, contentions, differences, judgments, claims, and demands of any kind whatsoever (“Claims”) that the Executive and/or his heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns ever had, now have, or may have against any Released Person by reason of his employment and/or cessation of employment with the Company or a Related Employer, or otherwise involving facts that occurred on or before the date on which the Executive signed this Release, other than (i) a Claim that the Company has failed to pay the Executive a payment described in or contemplated

 

20

 

by the Agreement or has otherwise breached the terms of the Agreement, or (ii) a Claim that the Company has failed to pay the Executive any vested benefits to which he is entitled under a plan or program of the Company or a Related Employer (collectively, “Excluded Claims”).  Claims, other than Excluded Claims, are hereafter referred to a “Released Claims.”  The Executive gives this Release regardless of whether the Released Claims are known or unknown.  Such Released Claims include, without limitation, any and all Claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Civil Rights Act of 1871, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, and any and all other federal, state or local laws, statutes, rules, and regulations pertaining to employment, as well as any and all claims under state contract or tort law including, but not limited, to those based on allegations of wrongful discharge, breach of contract, promissory estoppel, defamation, and infliction of emotional distress.

 

3.             The Executive hereby covenants not to sue or commence or maintain any action or proceeding against any Released Person, none of whom admit any liability, as to any Released Claim.  The Executive hereby agrees that if he hereafter institutes or maintains an action against any Released Person with respect to a Released Claim, and it is determined in such action that a claim or claims brought by the Executive in such action is barred by this Release, he will pay the Released Person for all costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred in defending against such claims.  The Executive understands that this Release is final and binding, except as expressly provided herein.  Nothing herein shall (i) prevent the Executive from filing a charge or complaint, including a challenge to the validity of this Agreement, with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”), (ii) prevent the Executive from participating in any investigation or proceeding conducted by the EEOC, or (iii) establish a condition precedent or other barrier to exercising the aforesaid rights.  While the Executive has a right to participate in any such investigation, he understands that he is waiving his right to any monetary recovery arising from any investigation or pursuit of a claim on his behalf.  The Executive acknowledges that he has the right to file a charge alleging a violation of the ADEA with any administrative agency and/or to challenge the validity of the waiver and release of any claim that he may have under the ADEA without either (i) repaying the Company the amounts paid to him as a result of this Release or (ii) paying the Company any other monetary amounts (such as attorneys’ fees and damages).

 

4.             The Executive agrees that if this Release is ever held to be invalid or unenforceable (in whole or in part) as to any particular type of claim or as to any particular circumstance, it shall remain fully valid and enforceable as to all other claims and circumstances.

 

5.             Except as permitted by paragraph 3, the Executive represents that he has not filed, and will not hereafter file, any lawsuit against any Released Person relating to his employment and/or cessation of employment with the Company or any Related Employer, or otherwise involving facts that occurred on or before the date on which he signed this Release, other than with respect to any Excluded Claim.  The Executive further understands and agrees that, other than as provided under paragraph 3, if he commences, continues, joins in, or in any other manner attempts to assert any lawsuit released herein against a Released Person with regard to a Released Claim, or otherwise violates the terms of this Release, he shall be required to return all severance payments paid to him by the Company pursuant to the Executive Severance

 

21

 

Agreement (together with interest thereon), and he agrees to reimburse the Released Person for all attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by it in defending against such a lawsuit, provided that the right to receive such payments is without prejudice to the Released Person’s other rights hereunder.

 

6.             The Executive understands and agrees that the Company’s payments to him and the signing of this Release do not in any way indicate that he has any viable Claims against the a Released Person or that any Released Person admits any liability to him whatsoever.

 

7.             The Executive has read this Release carefully, has been given at least 21 days to consider all of its terms and any modifications, material or otherwise, made to this Agreement do not restart or affect in any manner the original 21 calendar day consideration period.  The Executive has been advised to consult with an attorney and any other advisors of his choice and fully understands that by signing below he is giving up any right that he may have to sue or bring any Claims (other than the Excluded Claims) against a Released Person.  The Executive has not been forced or pressured in any manner whatsoever to sign this Release, and he agrees to all of its terms voluntarily.

 

8.             The Executive understands that he has 7 days from the date on which he signed this Release below to revoke this Release by notifying the Company of his revocation, that this Release will not become effective until the eighth day following the date on which he has signed this Release, and that if he revokes this Release within such period, the Executive Severance Agreement shall be void.

 

9.             The Executive understands and agrees that this Release will be governed by the internal laws of the State of New Jersey, without regard to conflict of law principles, to the extent not preempted by federal law.

 

 

	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Date
    	
 
    	
(Signature)
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
(Printed Name)
    

 

22Exhibit

 BROWN-FORMAN 2013 OMNIBUS COMPENSATION PLAN
EMPLOYEE STOCK-SETTLED STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT AWARD

Capitalized terms used below have the definitions assigned to them in the Brown-Forman 2013
Omnibus Compensation Plan (the “Plan”), or as defined herein.

	
		
	SUMMARY

	Participant:
	 

	Grant Date:
	July 28, 2016

	First Exercise Date:
	May 1, 2019

	Expiration Date:
	April 30, 2026

	Number of Shares:
	 

	Class of Shares:
	Brown-Forman Corporation Class B Common

	Grant Price:
	$

THIS AWARD (the “Award”), effective as of the Grant Date shown above, represents the grant of a stock appreciation right under the Plan by Brown-Forman Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), to the Participant named above, who is an employee of the Company or an Affiliate.

1.    Grant of Stock Appreciation Right.  The Company hereby grants to the Participant a Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Right (the “SSAR”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Administrative Guidelines to the Plan, and those set forth in this Award.
2.    Value of the SSAR.  The SSAR shall entitle the Participant, upon exercise of the SSAR (in whole or in part), to receive from the Company an amount payable in the form of Class B Common Shares determined by multiplying: 
		
	A)
	the appreciated value of one Class B Common Share, calculated as the Fair Market Value of one Class B Common Share on the date of exercise minus the Grant Price as shown above; by

		
	B)
	the number of Class B Common Shares with respect to which the SSAR is exercised.     

3.    Term.  Subject to Section 5 below, the term of this Award is for a period of ten years from the first day of the fiscal year of grant.  To exercise the SSAR, the Participant must remain continuously employed by the Company or an Affiliate (the “Employer”) for at least three years from the first day of the fiscal year of grant, except as provided in Section 5 below.  Assuming continuous employment, the SSAR will become exercisable on the First Exercise Date shown above, and it must be exercised before the close of business on the Expiration Date shown above. Subject to applicable securities laws, if on the last day of the term of this SSAR (or, if earlier, the last date on which this SSAR may be exercised pursuant to Section 5 below) the Fair Market Value of one Share exceeds the Grant Price shown above, the Participant has not exercised the SSAR and the SSAR has not otherwise expired, the SSAR shall be deemed to have been exercised by the Participant on such day and the appropriate number of Shares shall be issued to the Participant in accordance with Sections 2 and 4 hereof, or at such later time as would not violate any applicable securities laws.     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if the Participant is terminated for Cause, as defined in the Plan, the SSAR shall expire immediately as of the date and time that the Participant is notified of the termination and may not be exercised.
4.    Form of Payment.  The Company shall satisfy its obligation upon the Participant’s exercise of the SSAR (in whole or in part) in Class B Common Shares based upon the Fair Market Value of the Company’s Class B Common Shares on the date of exercise, as determined by the Plan Administrator in in accordance with Section 2.21 of the Plan.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no fractional Share shall be distributed in settlement of the SSAR, and any portion of the SSAR which would be settled in a fractional Share shall be treated in such manner as determined by the Committee not to have adverse financial accounting treatment or adverse federal income tax treatment pursuant to IRC Section 409A. 
5.    Termination of Employment.  In the event the Participant does not remain continuously employed by the Employer during the term of the SSAR, the following rules will apply:
		
	A)
	Retirement.  “Retirement” means termination of employment on or after reaching age 55 with at least five (5) full years of service, or on or after reaching age 65 with any service.  If the Participant terminates employment by reason of Retirement, this SSAR will continue in force until the earlier of (a) the Expiration Date; or (b) the end of seven years following the date of Retirement; provided however, that if the Participant terminates employment by reason of Retirement during fiscal 2017, the number of Shares subject to this SSAR shall be prorated based upon the number of whole months worked during fiscal 2017 prior to Retirement (out of a 12 month year), with the remaining portion being immediately canceled and forfeited.  Retirement does not affect the First Exercise Date of this SSAR.  

		
	B)
	Death/Disability.  If the Participant dies or terminates employment due to Disability (“Disability” to be determined by the Plan Administrator in its sole discretion in accordance with Section 2.16 of the Plan), the SSAR will become immediately exercisable (if not already exercisable) and must be exercised by the earlier of (a) the Expiration Date or (b) the end of five years following the date of death or termination of employment due to Disability.  If the Participant dies or terminates employment due to Disability during fiscal 2017, the number of Shares with respect to which this SSAR shall become exercisable pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 5(B) shall be prorated based upon the number of whole months worked during fiscal 2017 prior to death/termination of employment due to Disability (out of a 12 month year), with the remaining portion being immediately canceled and forfeited.  An exercisable SSAR shall be exercised by the person(s) named as the Participant’s beneficiary(ies), or, if the Participant has not named one or more beneficiaries, by whoever has acquired the Participant’s rights by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.

		
	C)
	Involuntary Termination without Cause.  A SSAR granted to a Participant whose employment is involuntarily terminated by the Employer without Cause will continue in force until the later of (a) twelve months following the date of termination; or (b) twelve months following the First Exercise Date, but no later than the Expiration Date; provided however, that if the Participant’s employment is involuntarily terminated without Cause during fiscal 2017, the number of Shares subject to this SSAR shall be prorated based upon the number of whole months worked during fiscal 2017 prior to termination (out of a 12 month year), with the remaining portion being immediately canceled and forfeited.  Involuntary termination without Cause does not affect the First Exercise Date of this SSAR.    

		
	D)
	Voluntary Termination.  A SSAR granted to a Participant who terminates employment voluntarily prior to the First Exercise Date shall expire immediately as of the date and time of such termination and may not be exercised.  A SSAR granted to a Participant who terminates employment voluntarily on or after the First Exercise Date shall continue in force until the earlier of (a) the Expiration Date or (b) the end of thirty days following the date of termination (provided, however, where necessary, the thirty-day period may be delayed or bifurcated because of required trading black-out periods).  

6.    Change in Control or Potential Change in Control.  In the event of a Change in Control, as defined in the Plan, the First Exercise Date and the Participant’s rights with respect to the SSAR shall be governed by the terms of Article 11 of the Plan.
7.    Severance Recipients and Release of Claims.  Notwithstanding the provisions in the Plan or this Award to the contrary, any Participant who is entitled to the extended time for exercise of this SSAR pursuant to Section 5(A) or  Section 5(C) and who is also eligible to receive a cash severance payment from the Employer shall, as a condition of being afforded the extended exercise period and of receiving such cash severance payment, be required to execute a general release waiving all claims, if any, arising from the Participant’s employment or termination from employment that such Participant may have against the Employer and its employees, agents and affiliates.  The Participant’s failure to execute such a general release or to allow an executed release to become irrevocable in accordance with its terms shall render this Award null and void, and the SSAR shall expire immediately and may not be exercised.
8.    Rights as a Shareholder.  The Participant has no rights as a shareholder (including, but not limited to, the right to receive dividends or dividend equivalents, or to vote on shareholder issues) with respect to Shares potentially available upon exercise of the SSAR.  Shareholder rights accrue only to holders of Shares issued and delivered pursuant to exercise of the SSAR.
9.    Restrictions on Transfer.  The SSAR may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.  Further, the SSAR shall be exercisable during the Participant’s lifetime only by the Participant or the Participant’s duly appointed legal representative.
10.    Recapitalization.  If there is any change in the Company’s Shares through the declaration of Share dividends or extraordinary cash dividends, or through a recapitalization resulting in Share splits, or through merger, consolidation, exchange of Shares, or similar corporate transaction, the Plan Administrator shall adjust the number and class of Shares subject to the SSAR, as well as the Grant Price, or take other action pursuant to Section 4.4 of the Plan to prevent dilution or enlargement of the Participant’s rights.
11.    Beneficiary Designation.  The Participant, if employed in the United States, may, from time to time, name any beneficiary or beneficiaries (who may be named contingently or successively) to whom any benefit under this Award is to be paid in case of his or her death before he or she receives any or all of such benefit.  Each such designation shall revoke all prior designations by the Participant, shall be in a form prescribed by the Company, and will be effective only when delivered during the Participant’s lifetime to the Company at its executive offices, addressed to the attention of the Compensation Department in Louisville, Kentucky. Absent a Participant’s proper and timely designation of a beneficiary under this Section 11, any benefit payable under this Award upon the Participant’s death shall be paid to the Participant’s surviving spouse, or, if none, to the Participant’s estate.
12.    Continuation of Employment.  This Award shall not confer upon the Participant any right to continued employment by the Employer, nor shall this Award interfere in any way with the Employer’s right to terminate the Participant’s employment at any time.  A transfer of the Participant’s employment between the Employer and any of its subsidiaries, or between any divisions or subsidiaries of the Employer shall not be deemed a termination of employment.

13.    Tax Consequences.  By accepting the SSAR, the Participant acknowledges that (i) he or she understands that upon either the grant or the exercise of the SSAR, he or she may recognize adverse tax consequences, and (ii) he or she understands that the Company may deduct or withhold an amount of Class B Common Shares, or require the Participant to remit cash to the Company, sufficient to satisfy minimum Federal, state, local and foreign taxes (including the Participant’s FICA obligation) required by law to be withheld with respect to any exercise of the Participant’s rights under this Award.  In the case of the Share withholding described in the preceding sentence, the Company may instead choose to withhold an amount of Shares greater than the minimum, up to the amount required to satisfy the Participant’s maximum individual tax rate, provided updated accounting standards are in effect that would provide the same treatment for the increased withholding as provided for minimum withholding. The Participant is encouraged to consult with a qualified tax advisor concerning the SSAR. 
14.    Data Privacy.    As a condition of the grant of the SSAR, the Participant consents to the collection, use, and transfer of personal data as described in this paragraph. The Participant understands that the Company and its Affiliates hold certain personal information about the Participant, including his or her name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social security number or equivalent, salary, nationality, job title, ownership interests or directorships held in the Company or its Affiliates, and details of all equity awards or other entitlements to Shares awarded, cancelled, exercised, vested or unvested (“Data”).  The Participant further understands that the Company and its Affiliates will transfer Data amongst themselves as necessary for the purposes of implementation, administration, and management of his or her participation in the Plan, and that the Company and any of its Affiliates may each further transfer Data to any third parties assisting the Company in the implementation, administration, and management of the Plan.  The Participant authorizes them to receive, possess, use, retain, and transfer such Data as may be required for the administration of the Plan, in electronic or other form, for the purposes of implementing, administering, and managing his or her participation in the Plan, including any requisite transfer to a broker or other third party with whom he or she may elect to deposit any Shares acquired under the Plan. The Participant understands that he or she may, at any time, view such Data or require any necessary amendments to the Data.  
15.    Miscellaneous.
		
	A)
	This Award and the Participant’s rights under it are subject to all the terms and conditions of the Plan, as the same may be amended from time to time, as well as any Administrative Guidelines the Plan Administrator may adopt.  The Plan Administrator may impose such restrictions on any Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of the SSAR as it may deem advisable, including, without limitation, restrictions under applicable Federal securities laws, under the requirements of any stock exchange or market upon which such Shares are then listed and/or traded, and under any blue sky or state securities laws applicable to such Shares.  The Plan Administrator in conjunction with the Company’s compliance officer may designate periods during which the SSAR may not be exercised by Participants.

The Plan Administrator may, in its sole discretion, administer, construe, and make all determinations necessary or appropriate to the administration of the Plan and the SSAR, all of which shall be binding upon the Participant.

		
	B)
	Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Board of Directors may terminate, amend, or modify the Plan; provided, however, that no such termination, amendment, or modification of the Plan may in any way adversely affect the Participant’s rights under this Award, without the written consent of the Participant.

		
	C)
	The Participant agrees to take all steps necessary to comply with all applicable Federal and state securities law in exercising his or her rights under this Award.

		
	D)
	This Award shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or national securities exchanges as may be required.

		
	E)
	The Company’s obligations under the Plan and this Award, with respect to the SSAR, shall bind any successor to the Company, whether succession results from a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company.

		
	F)
	To the extent not preempted by Federal law, this Award shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware.

		
	G)
	At all times when IRC Section 162(m) applies, all Awards to Designated Executive Officers shall comply with its requirements, unless the Plan Administrator determines that compliance is not desired or necessary for any Award or Awards.  To that end, the Plan Administrator may make such adjustments it deems appropriate for a specific Award or Awards.

		
	H)
	This Award is subject to the terms of the Plan and Administrative Guidelines promulgated under it from time to time.  In the event of a conflict between this document and the Plan, the Plan document as well as any determinations made by the Plan Administrator as authorized by the Plan document, shall govern.

		
	I)
	In addition, the Participant agrees that the SSAR shall be administered and settled as required for the SSAR to be deemed not to be deferred compensation subject to the provisions of IRC Section 409A or the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder. Although the Company intends to take such actions so as to allow the Award to avoid adverse tax treatment pursuant to Section 409A of the Code and otherwise, the Company makes no representation to that effect and expressly disavows any covenant to maintain favorable or avoid unfavorable tax treatment. The Company shall be unconstrained in its corporate activities without regard to the potential negative tax impact on the Participant.

		
	J)
	THIS AWARD IS SUBJECT TO THE BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION INCENTIVE COMPENSATION RECOUPMENT POLICY. BY ACCEPTING THIS GRANT, THE UNDERSIGNED ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE OR SHE HAS BEEN PROVIDED WITH A COPY OF SUCH INCENTIVE COMPENSATION RECOUPMENT POLICY AND UNDERSTANDS THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS THEREOF.

This Award is subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION

By:      Kirsten Hawley
            Senior Vice President,
            Chief Human Resources Officer

Page 1 of 1
2017 Form

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