Document:

Registered Stock Agreement dated January 3, 2005

 

Exhibit 10.4

RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

     THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of the 3rd day of January 2005, between DYCOM INDUSTRIES,
INC., a Florida corporation (the “Company”), and TIMOTHY R. ESTES (the
“Participant”).

     WHEREAS, the Participant is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the
Company and, pursuant to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and the
Participant, as may be amended from time to time (the “Employment Agreement”), the Company
hereby grants to the Participant 46,500 restricted shares (“Restricted Stock”) of common
stock, par value $.331/3 per share, of the Company (the “Common Stock”) under the Company’s
2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter
set forth;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties
hereto agree as follows:

     1. Definitions; Incorporation of Plan Terms. 

     Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to them in
the Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto. This Award Agreement and the Restricted Stock shall
be subject to the Plan, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference, and in the event
of any conflict or inconsistency between the Plan and this Award Agreement, the Plan shall govern.
The date of grant with respect to the Restricted Stock shall be January 3, 2005 (the “Grant
Date”).

     2. Grant of Restricted Stock.

     Subject to the terms and conditions contained herein and in the Plan, the Company hereby
grants 46,500 shares of Restricted Stock to the Participant as of the Grant Date.

     3. Vesting of Restricted Stock.

     Unless previously vested or forfeited in accordance with the terms of the Plan or this Award
Agreement, the Restricted Stock shall vest and become non-forfeitable in four equal annual
installments commencing on December 31, 2005; provided that the Participant remains in the
employ of the Company through such dates.

     4. Termination of Employment.

     Except to the extent otherwise provided by the Plan or this Award Agreement, in the event of
the Participant’s termination of employment for any reason, the Participant shall immediately
forfeit all unvested Restricted Stock as of the date of such termination.

 

 

     5. Change in Control. 

     In the event that the Participant’s employment is terminated without Cause or he resigns for
Good Reason during the 13-month period commencing on the date of a Change of Control, all unvested
Restricted Stock shall immediately and fully vest and all restrictions shall lapse. For purposes
of this Paragraph 5, “Change in Control” shall have the meaning set forth in paragraph 5(c) of the
Employment Agreement.

     6. Nontransferability of the Restricted Stock.

     Unless determined otherwise by the Committee, Restricted Stock may not be sold, pledged,
assigned, hypothecated, transferred or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws
of descent or distribution or pursuant to a “qualified domestic relations order” as defined in the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, prior to the date that such
Restricted Stock becomes vested and non-forfeitable; provided, however, that
Restricted Stock shall be transferable, in whole or in part, with the written consent of the
Committee, to trusts established wholly or in part for the benefit of the Participant’s immediate
family members. Such transfers are subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award
Agreement. The restrictions on transferability set forth above shall not apply to Restricted Stock
after the date that such Restricted Stock becomes vested and non-forfeitable as set forth herein.

     7. Rights as a Stockholder.

     The Participant shall have, with respect to the Restricted Stock, all of the rights of a
stockholder of the Company, including, if applicable, the right to vote the Restricted Stock and to
receive any cash dividends, subject to the restrictions set forth in the Plan and this Award
Agreement.

     8. Dividends and Distributions.

     Any Common Stock or other securities of the Company received by the Participant as a result of
a distribution to holders of Restricted Stock or as a dividend on the Restricted Stock shall be
subject to the same restrictions as such Restricted Stock, and all references to Restricted Stock
hereunder shall be deemed to include such Common Stock or other securities.

     9. Issuance of Certificates.

     The Participant shall be issued four certificates in respect of the Restricted Stock at the
Grant Date, each certificate representing twenty-five percent (25%) of the Common Stock covered by
the award of Restricted Stock. Such certificates shall be held in custody by the Company until the
restrictions thereon shall have lapsed and that, as a condition

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of any award of Restricted Stock, the Participant shall deliver a stock power, endorsed in
blank, relating to the Common Stock covered by such award.

     10. Taxes and Withholdings.

     No later than the date as of which an amount first becomes includable in the gross income of
the Participant for applicable income tax purposes with respect to Restricted Stock, the
Participant shall pay to the Company or make arrangements satisfactory to the Committee regarding
payment of any federal, state or local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld with
respect to such amount.

     Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, in accordance with rules and procedures
established by the Committee, the minimum required withholding obligations may be settled with
Common Stock, including Common Stock that is part of the Award that gives rise to the withholding
requirement. The obligation of the Company under this Award Agreement shall be conditional upon
such payment or arrangements and the Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right
to deduct any such taxes from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the Participant.

     11. Notices.

     All notices and other communications under this Award Agreement shall be in writing and shall
be given by hand delivery to the other party or by facsimile, overnight courier, or registered or
certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

     If to the Participant: at the last known address on record at the Company.

     If to the Company: at 4440 PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410-6542,
Attention: Michael K. Miller, General Counsel and Secretary;

     or to such other address or facsimile number as any party shall have furnished to the other in
writing in accordance with this Paragraph 11. Notice and communications shall be effective when
actually received by the addressee.

     12. Successor.

     Except as otherwise provided hereunder, this Award Agreement shall be binding upon and shall
inure to the benefit of any successor or successors of the Company, and to any transferee or
successor of the Participant pursuant to Paragraph 6.

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     13. Governing Law.

     The interpretation, performance and enforcement of this Award Agreement shall be governed by
the laws of the State of Florida without reference to principles of conflict of laws, as applied to
contracts executed in and performed wholly within the State of Florida.

     14. Severability.

     If any provision of this Award Agreement shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, such
illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions of this Award Agreement, but
this Award Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal or invalid provision had
never been included herein.

     15. No Restriction on Right of Company to Effect Corporate Changes.

     Neither the Plan nor this Award Agreement shall affect or restrict in any way the right or
power of the Company or its shareholders to make or authorize any adjustment, recapitalization,
reorganization or other change in the capital structure or business of the Company, or any merger
or consolidation of the Company, or any issue of stock or of options, warrants or rights to
purchase stock or of bonds, debentures, preferred or prior preference stocks whose rights are
superior to or affect the Common Stock or the rights thereof or which are convertible into or
exchangeable for Common Stock, or the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or any sale or
transfer of all or any part of the assets or business of the Company, or any sale or transfer of
all or any part of its assets or business, or any other corporate act or proceeding, whether of a
similar character or otherwise.

     16. Exchange Act. 

     Notwithstanding anything contained in the Plan or this Award Agreement to the contrary, if the
consummation of any transaction under the Plan or this Award Agreement would result in the possible
imposition of liability on the Participant pursuant to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, the
Committee shall have the right, in its sole discretion, but shall not be obligated, to defer such
transaction to the extent necessary to avoid such liability, but in no event for a period in excess
of 180 days.

     17. Amendment.

     This Award Agreement may not be modified, amended or waived except by an instrument in writing
signed by both parties hereto. The waiver by either party of compliance with any provision of this
Award Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other provision of this Award
Agreement, or of any subsequent breach by such party of a provision of this Award Agreement.

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     18. Claim to Awards and Employment Rights.

     The Participant shall not have any claim or right to receive or be eligible to receive any
additional Awards under the Plan. Neither the Plan nor this Award Agreement nor any action taken
or omitted to be taken hereunder or thereunder shall be deemed to create or confer on the
Participant any right to be retained in the employ of the Company or to interfere with or to limit
in any way the right of the Company to terminate the employment of the Participant at any time.

     19. Entire Agreement. 

     This Award Agreement and the Plan set forth the entire agreement and understanding between the
parties hereto with respect to the matters covered herein, and supersede all prior agreements and
understandings concerning such matters. This Award Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall
together constitute one and the same agreement. The headings of sections and subsections herein
are included solely for convenience of reference and shall not affect the meaning of any of the
provisions of this Award Agreement.

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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Award Agreement to be executed by its duly
authorized officer and the Participant has executed this Award Agreement, both as of the day and
year first above written.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC.

 	 
	 	By:  	/s/ Steven Nielsen
 	 
	 	 	Name:  	Steven Nielsen 	 
	 	 	Title:  	President and Chief Executive Officer 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	/s/ Timothy R. Estes
 	 
	 	Timothy R. Estes 	 
	 	 	 
	 

6First Amendment to Executive Employment Agreement

 

EXHIBIT 10.10

FIRST AMENDMENT TO

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

(For Executive Officers Who Also Have a Change of Control Employment Agreement)

     THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (herein “Amendment Number One”) is
actually made and entered into on the last date reflected below, but is effective as of July 15,
2004, between Office Depot, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Carl Rubin
(“Executive”).

     Company and Executive are parties to an existing Employment Agreement dated as of March 1,
2004 (the “Existing Agreement”) and desire herein to amend certain provisions of the Existing
Agreement, to expand the duties and responsibilities of Executive as set forth in this Amendment
Number One.

     In consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto
agree as follows:

     1. Employment.

     (a) The Company shall continue to employ Executive, and Executive hereby accepts employment
with the Company, upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Existing Agreement, as amended by
this Amendment Number One (said Existing Agreement, as amended by this Amendment Number One, being
hereinafter referred to as the “Employment Agreement” or as “this Agreement”) for the period
beginning on the date hereof and ending as provided in paragraph 4 hereof (the “Employment
Term”).

     (b) The parties also have previously entered into an Employment Agreement dated as of March 1,
2004, by and between the Company and the Executive (the “Change of Control Employment
Agreement”) which, by its terms, takes effect during the “Employment Period” as defined in such
agreement. During any such Employment Period under the Change of Control Employment Agreement, the
terms and provisions of the Change of Control Employment Agreement shall control to the extent such
terms and provisions are in conflict with the terms and provisions of this Agreement. In addition,
during such Employment Period, the Employment Term hereunder shall be tolled and upon expiration of
the Employment Period under the Change of Control Employment Agreement the Employment Term
hereunder shall recommence.

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     2. Position and Duties.

     (a) During the Employment Period, Executive shall serve as Executive Vice President, Chief
Merchandising Officer and Chief Marketing Officer and shall have the normal duties,
responsibilities and authority attendant to such positions, subject to the power of the Company’s
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), its President, North America (“President”) or
the Board of Directors (the “Board”) to expand or limit such duties, responsibilities and
authority.

     (b) Executive shall report to the President, North America or to such other person(s) of
comparable or greater duties, responsibilities, and authority as the CEO may direct from time to
time, and Executive shall devote Executive’s best efforts and Executive’s full business time and
attention (except for permitted vacation periods and reasonable periods of illness or other
incapacity) to the business and affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries; provided
that Executive shall, with the prior written approval of the CEO, be allowed to serve as
(i) a director or officer of any non-profit organization including trade, civic, educational or
charitable organizations, or (ii) a director of any corporation which is not competing with the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries in the office product and office supply industry so long as such
duties do not materially interfere with the performance of Executive’s duties or responsibilities
under this Agreement. Executive shall perform Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this
Agreement to the best of Executive’s abilities in a diligent, trustworthy, businesslike and
efficient manner.

     (c) Executive shall be based at or in the vicinity of the Company’s headquarters but
may be required to travel as necessary to perform Executive’s duties and responsibilities under
this Agreement.

     (d) For purposes of this Agreement, “Subsidiaries” shall mean any corporation of which
the securities having a majority of the voting power in electing directors are, at the time of
determination, owned by the Company, directly or through one of more Subsidiaries.

     3. Base Salary and Benefits.

     (a) In his newly expanded position, Executive’s base salary shall be $475,000 per annum (the
“Base Salary”), which salary shall be payable in regular installments in accordance with
the Company’s general payroll practices and shall be subject to customary withholding. Executive’s
Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually by the Compensation Committee of the Board and
shall be subject to adjustment, but not reduction, as they shall determine based on among other
things, market practice and performance. In addition, during the Employment Term, Executive shall
be entitled to participate in the Company’s Long Term Incentive Plan.

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     (b) In addition to the Base Salary, Executive shall be entitled to participate in the
Company’s Management Incentive Plan (the “Bonus Plan”) as administered by the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors. If the Board or the Compensation Committee modifies such
Bonus Plan during the Employment Term, Executive shall continue to participate at a level no lower
than the highest level established for any officer of the Company then at Executive’s level. At
the discretion of the Board or the Compensation Committee, Executive may be offered from time to
time the opportunity to participate in other bonus plans of the Company in lieu of the Bonus Plan
and, if Executive chooses to participate in such plan or plans, the provisions of this paragraph
3(b) shall be tolled during the period of such participation.

     (c) Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the Company’s general
payroll practices for officers of the Company then at Executive’s level.

     (d) The Company shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in
the course of performing Executive’s duties under this Agreement which are consistent with the
Company’s policies in effect from time to time with respect to travel, entertainment and other
business expenses, subject to the Company’s requirements with respect to reporting and
documentation of such expenses.

     (e) Executive will be entitled to all benefits as are, from time to time, maintained for
officers of the Company then at Executive’s level, including without limitation: medical,
prescription, dental, disability, employee life, group life, accidental death and travel accident
insurance plans (collectively, “Insurance Benefits”), profit sharing and retirement
benefits.

     4. Term.

     (a) The Employment Term shall end on the eighteen (18) month anniversary of the date of this
Agreement; provided that (i) the Employment Term shall be extended for successive
periods of one (1) year each (each of which is referred to as an “extension term” of the Employment
Term) in the event that written notice of termination hereof is not given by one party hereof to
the other at least six months prior to the end of the Employment Term or the then applicable
extension term, as the case may be; provided further that (ii) the Employment Term
shall terminate prior to such date (A) upon Executive’s death or permanent disability or
incapacity (as determined by the Board in its good faith judgment), (B) upon the mutual agreement
of the Company and Executive, (C) by the Company’s termination of this Agreement for Cause (as
defined below) or without Cause or (D) by Executive’s termination of this Agreement for Good Reason
(as defined below) or without Good Reason.

     (b) If the Employment Term is terminated by the Company without Cause or is terminated by the
Executive for Good Reason, Executive (and Executive’s family with respect to clause (iii) below)
shall be entitled to receive (i) Executive’s Base Salary through the eighteenth month anniversary
of such termination and Executive’s Pro Rata Bonus (as defined in

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paragraph (h) below), if and only if Executive has not breached the provisions of paragraphs
5, 6 and 7 hereof (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or by an arbitrator pursuant
to paragraph 19 hereof), (ii) vested and earned (in accordance with the Company’s applicable plan
or program) but unpaid amounts under incentive plans, deferred compensation plans, and other
employer programs of the Company in which Executive is then participating (other than the Pro Rata
Bonus), (iii) Insurance Benefits through the eighteenth month anniversary of such termination
pursuant to the Company’s insurance programs, as in effect from time to time, to the extent
Executive participated immediately prior to the date of such termination; provided
that any such continuation of health insurance benefits will run concurrently with and
satisfy the continuation coverage requirements of the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act of
1985 (“COBRA”), and provided further that any health insurance benefits which Executive becomes
entitled to receive as a result of any subsequent employment shall serve as primary coverage for
Executive and Executive’s family, and (iv) the amount to which the Executive would have been
entitled under the Bonus Plan (calculated as if the “target” amount under such plan had been
reached, regardless of company performance) had the Executive remained employed through the
eighteenth month anniversary of such termination. The amounts payable pursuant to paragraph
4(b)(i) (ii) and (iv) shall be payable, at the Company’s discretion, in one lump sum payment
within 30 days following termination of the Employment Term or in any other reasonable manner
consistent with the Company’s normal payment policies. No payment of any sum nor the receipt of any
benefit shall be due to Executive under this subsection (b) unless and until Executive shall have
executed and delivered to the Company a release of any and all claims against the Company and its
Subsidiaries (and their respective present and former officers, directors, employees and agents –
collectively the “Released Parties”) and a covenant not to sue the Released Parties, all in
form and substance as provided by counsel to the Company (the “Release”), which Release
shall be reasonable and shall be provided to Executive promptly following termination of the
Employment Term, and any waiting period or revocation period provided by law for the effectiveness
of such Release shall have expired without Executive’s having revoked such Release. The parties
agree that the form of Release attached hereto is reasonable as of the date of execution of this
Agreement, but may be required to be modified to conform to changes in legal requirements.
Otherwise, the parties agree that this is the form of Release to be used, as referred to herein.
In the event Executive shall decline or fail, except in connection with a good faith dispute about
the reasonableness of the form and substance of the Release, to execute and deliver such Release,
then Executive shall be entitled to receive only those amounts provided pursuant to subsection 4(c)
below provided for an Executive whose employment is terminated by the Company for Cause or by
Executive without Good Reason.

     (c) If the Employment Term is terminated by the Company for Cause or by the Executive without
Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to receive (i) Executive’s Base Salary through the date of
such termination and (ii) vested and earned (in accordance with the Company’s applicable plan or
program) but unpaid amounts under incentive plans, health and welfare plans, deferred compensation
plans, and other employer programs of the Company which Executive participates; provided, however,
that Executive shall not be entitled to payment of a Pro Rata Bonus.

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     (d) If the Employment Term is terminated upon Executive’s death or permanent disability or
incapacity (as determined by the Board in its good faith judgment), Executive, or Executive’s
estate if applicable, shall be entitled to receive the sum of (i) Executive’s Base Salary through
the date of such termination and Executive’s Pro Rata Bonus (as defined in paragraph (h) below) and
(ii) vested and earned (in accordance with the Company’s applicable plan or program) but unpaid
amounts under incentive plans, health and welfare plans, deferred compensation plans, and other
employer programs of the Company which Executive participates. The amounts payable pursuant to
this paragraph 4(d) shall be payable, at the Company’s discretion, in one lump sum payment within
30 days following termination of the Employment Term or in any other manner consistent with the
Company’s normal payment policies.

     (e) Except as otherwise provided herein, fringe benefits and bonuses (if any) which accrue or
become payable after the termination of the Employment Term shall cease upon such termination.

     (f) For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean the willful engaging by
the Executive in illegal conduct or gross misconduct, but only to the extent such conduct or
misconduct is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company in violation of the
Company’s Code of Ethical Behavior.

Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted
by the Board or upon the instructions of the CEO or based upon the advice of counsel for the
Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in good
faith and in the best interests of the Company. The cessation of employment of the Executive shall
not be deemed to be for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a
copy of a resolution duly adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors, finding that, in the good
faith opinion of the Board, and after reasonable notice is given to the Executive and the Executive
is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board, the Executive is
guilty of the conduct described in paragraph (f) above, and specifying the particulars thereof in
detail.

     (g) For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean:

          (i) the assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent with the Executive’s positions
(including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or
responsibilities as contemplated by paragraph 2 of this Agreement, or any other action by the
Company which results in a diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities,
excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad
faith and which is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the
Executive, and excluding further any change in the reporting relationships of the Executive as
directed by the CEO or the Board, unless such change results in Executive reporting

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to a position with lesser duties, responsibilities, and authority than the President, North
America. Without limitation of the foregoing, in the event Executive should be required to
relinquish either the position of Chief Marketing Officer or Chief Merchandising Officer, then such
change would constitute Good Reason under the terms of this Agreement;

          (ii) any failure by the Company to comply with any of the material provisions of this
Agreement, including without limitation paragraph 3, other than an isolated, insubstantial and
inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company promptly after
receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;

          (iii) the Company’s requiring the Executive to be based at any location other than as provided
in paragraph 2(c) hereof; or

          (iv) any purported termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment otherwise than as
expressly permitted by this Agreement; or

          (v) any determination by a court of competent jurisdiction or an arbitrator that Executive is
barred, for any reason, from working with the Company.

     (h) For purposes of this Agreement, “Pro Rata Bonus” shall mean the sum of (i) the pro
rata portion (calculated as if the “target” amount under such plan has been reached) under any
current annual incentive plan from the beginning of the year of termination through the date of
termination and (ii) if and to the extent Executive is vested, the pro rata portion (calculated as
if the “target” amount under such plan has been reached) under any long-term incentive plan or
performance plan from the beginning of the period of determination through the date of termination.

     5. Confidential Information. Executive acknowledges that the information,
observations and data obtained by Executive while employed by the Company and its Subsidiaries
concerning the business or affairs of the Company or any other Subsidiary (“Confidential
Information”) are the property of the Company or such Subsidiary. Therefore, Executive agrees
that Executive shall not disclose to any unauthorized person or use for Executive’s own purposes
any Confidential Information without the prior written consent of the CEO, unless and to the extent
that the aforementioned matters become generally known to and available for use by the public other
than as a result of Executive’s acts or omissions. Executive shall deliver to the Company at the
termination of the Employment Term, or at any other time the Company may request, all memoranda,
notes, plans, records, reports, computer tapes, printouts and software and other documents and data
(and copies thereof) in any form or medium relating to the Confidential Information, Work Product
(as defined below) or the business of the Company or any Subsidiary that Executive may then possess
or have under Executive’s control.

     6. Inventions and Patents. Executive acknowledges that all inventions, innovations,
improvements, developments, methods, designs, analyses, drawings, reports and all

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similar or related information (whether or not patentable) that relate to the Company’s or any
of its Subsidiaries’ actual or anticipated business, research and development or existing or future
products or services and that are conceived, developed or made by Executive while employed by the
Company and its Subsidiaries (“Work Product”) belong to the Company or such Subsidiary.
Executive shall promptly disclose such Work Product to the CEO and perform all actions reasonably
requested by the CEO (whether during or after the Employment Term) to establish and confirm such
ownership (including, without limitation, assignments, consents, powers of attorney and other
instruments).

     7. Non-Compete, Non-Solicitation.

     (a) In further consideration of the compensation to be paid to Executive hereunder, Executive
acknowledges that in the course of Executive’s employment with the Company Executive shall become
familiar with the Company’s trade secrets and with other Confidential Information concerning the
Company and its Subsidiaries and that Executive’s services shall be of special, unique and
extraordinary value to the Company and its Subsidiaries. Therefore, Executive agrees that, during
the Employment Term and for a period of eighteen (18) months thereafter (the “Noncompete
Period”), Executive shall not directly or indirectly own any interest in, manage, control,
participate in, consult with, render services for, or in any manner engage in any business
competing with the businesses of the Company or its Subsidiaries, as such businesses exist or are
in process on the date of the termination of Executive’s employment, within any geographical area
in which the Company or its Subsidiaries engage or plan to engage in such businesses. Nothing
herein shall prohibit Executive from being a passive owner of not more than 2% of the outstanding
stock of any class of a corporation which is publicly traded, so long as Executive has no active
participation in the business of such corporation. The Company presently does not enforce this
paragraph 7(a) in California. However, Executive is still required to sign this Agreement since
Executive may already work, or may work in the future, in a state where this paragraph 7(a) is
fully enforceable. Moreover, the Company reserves its right to enforce this paragraph 7(a) in all
other states in which it is enforceable, and in California in the future, to reflect any
legislative or legal developments which will permit its enforcement to the fullest extent permitted
by California law.

     (b) During the Noncompete Period, Executive shall not directly or indirectly through another
entity (i) induce or attempt to induce any employee of the Company or any Subsidiary to leave the
employ of the Company or such Subsidiary, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the
Company or any Subsidiary and any employee thereof, (ii) hire any person who was an employee of the
Company or any Subsidiary at any time during the Employment Term or (iii) induce or attempt to
induce any customer, supplier, licensee, licensor, franchisee or other business relation of the
Company or any Subsidiary to cease doing business with the Company or such Subsidiary, or in any
way interfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee, licensor,
franchisee, or business relation and the Company or any Subsidiary (including, without limitation,
making any negative statements or communications about the Company or its Subsidiaries).

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     (c) The provisions of this paragraph 7 will be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by the
law in the state in which Executive resides or is employed at the time of the enforcement of the
provision. If, at the time of enforcement of this paragraph 7, a court shall hold that the
duration, scope or area restrictions stated herein are unreasonable under circumstances then
existing, the parties agree that the maximum duration, scope or area reasonable under such
circumstances shall be substituted for the stated duration, scope or area and that the court shall
be allowed to revise the restrictions contained herein to cover the maximum period, scope and area
permitted by law. Executive agrees that the restrictions contained in this paragraph 7 are
reasonable.

     (d) In the event of the breach or a threatened breach by Executive of any of the provisions of
this paragraph 7, the Company, in addition and supplementary to other rights and remedies existing
in its favor, may apply to any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction for specific
performance and/or injunctive or other relief in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the
provisions hereof (without posting a bond or other security). In addition, in the event of a
breach or violation by Executive of this paragraph 7 (as determined by a court of competent
jurisdiction or an arbitrator pursuant to paragraph 19 hereof), the Noncompete Period shall be
tolled until such breach or violation has been duly cured.

     8. Executive’s Representations. Executive hereby represents and warrants to the
Company that (i) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Executive do not and
shall not conflict with, breach, violate or cause a default under any contract, agreement,
instrument, order, judgment or decree to which Executive is a party or by which Executive is bound,
except as previously disclosed to the Company, (ii) Executive is not a party to or bound by any
employment agreement, noncompete agreement or confidentiality agreement with any other person or
entity, except as previously disclosed to the Company, and (iii) upon the execution and delivery of
this Agreement by the Company, this Agreement shall be the valid and binding obligation of
Executive, enforceable in accordance with its terms. Executive hereby acknowledges and represents
that Executive has had an opportunity to consult with independent legal counsel regarding
Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement and that Executive fully understands the
terms and conditions contained herein.

     9. Survival. Paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 and paragraphs 9 through 16 shall survive and
continue in full force in accordance with their terms notwithstanding any termination of the
Employment Term.

     10. Notices. Any notice provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall
be either personally delivered, or mailed by first class mail, return receipt requested, to the
recipient at the address below indicated:

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	      	Notices to Executive:

Carl Rubin

6925 NW 62nd Terrace

Parkland, FL 33067

Or to such other residential address as may be reflected in the employment records
of the Company

Notices to the Company:

Office Depot, Inc.

2200 Old Germantown Road

Delray Beach, Florida 33445

Attention: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

and

Office Depot, Inc.

2200 Old Germantown Road

Delray Beach, Florida 33445

Attention: Executive Vice President — Human Resources

or such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party shall have
specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Any notice under this Agreement shall be
deemed to have been given when so delivered or mailed.

     11. Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be
interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision
of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any
applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall
not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement shall be reformed,
construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision
had never been contained herein.

     12. Complete Agreement. This Agreement and those documents expressly referred to
herein and other documents of even date herewith embody the complete agreement and understanding
among the parties and supersede and preempt any prior understandings, agreements or representations
by or among the parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in
any way (provided, however that during the “Employment Period,” as defined in the Change of Control
Employment Agreement, the terms and provision of the

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Change of Control Employment Agreement shall be effective and shall control to the extent
there is any conflict between such agreement and this Agreement).

     13. No Strict Construction. The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be
the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict
construction shall be applied against any party.

     14. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of
which is deemed to be an original and all of which taken together constitute one and the same
agreement.

     15. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement is intended to bind and inure to the
benefit of and be enforceable by Executive, the Company and their respective heirs, successors and
assigns, except that Executive may not assign Executive’s rights or delegate Executive’s
obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Company.

     16. Choice of Law. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity,
enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement and the exhibits and schedules hereto shall be
governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Florida, without giving
effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of Florida
or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other
than the State of Florida.

     17. Amendment and Waiver. The provisions of this Agreement may be amended or waived
only with the prior written consent of the Company and Executive, and no course of conduct or
failure or delay in enforcing the provisions of this Agreement shall affect the validity, binding
effect or enforceability of this Agreement.

     18. Confidentiality of this Agreement. The parties agree that the terms of this
Agreement are confidential. Executive shall not divulge or publicize the terms hereof except as
may be necessary to enforce the promises, covenants and/or understandings contained herein or as
either party may be required to do so by law, court order, subpoena or other judicial action or
government taxing authorities. Executive may disclose the contents of this Agreement to his
immediate family, attorneys and accountants, provided however, that any further disclosure of the
terms of this Agreement by any of these persons to anyone not included within the terms of this
paragraph may be deemed a breach of the Agreement by Executive.

     19. Arbitration Provisions. Except as to the right of the Company or the Executive to
resort to any court of competent jurisdiction to obtain injunctive relief or specific enforcement
of the parties’ obligations under this Employment Agreement (or otherwise), any dispute or
controversy between the Company and Executive arising out of or relating to Executive’s employment
or termination of employment, this Agreement or the breach of this Agreement, including but not
limited to disputes involving discrimination arising under common

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law, and/or federal, state and local laws, shall be settled by arbitration administered by the
American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) in accordance with its National Rules for the
Resolution of Employment Disputes then in effect, and judgment on the award rendered by the
arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Any arbitration shall be held
before a single arbitrator who shall be selected by the mutual agreement of the Company and
Executive, unless the parties are unable to agree to an arbitrator, in which case the arbitrator
will be selected under the procedures of the AAA. The arbitrator shall have the authority to award
any remedy or relief that a court of competent jurisdiction could order or grant, including,
without limitation, the issuance of an injunction. Executive agrees to abide by and accept the
final decision of the arbitrator as to the ultimate resolution of any and all covered disputes and
understands that arbitration replaces any right to trial by a judge or jury. However, either party
may, without inconsistency with this arbitration provision, apply to any court otherwise having
jurisdiction over such dispute or controversy and seek interim provisional, injunctive or other
equitable relief until the arbitration award is rendered or the controversy is otherwise resolved.
Except as necessary in court proceedings to enforce this arbitration provision or an award rendered
hereunder, or to obtain interim relief, or as may otherwise be required by law, neither a party nor
an arbitrator may disclose the existence, content or results of any arbitration hereunder without
the prior written consent of the Company and Executive. The Company and Executive acknowledge that
this Agreement evidences a transaction involving interstate commerce. Notwithstanding any choice
of law provision included in this Agreement, the United States Federal Arbitration Act shall govern
the interpretation and enforcement of this arbitration provision. The arbitration proceeding shall
be conducted in Palm Beach County, Florida unless the parties mutually agree to another location.
The Company shall pay the costs of any arbitrator appointed hereunder.

* * * * *

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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first
written above.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	OFFICE DEPOT, INC.

 	 
	 	By:  	/s/ NEIL R. AUSTRIAN	 
	 	 	Name:  	Neil R. Austrian 	 
	 	 	Its:  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Date: March 7, 2005 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	EXECUTIVE

	 	/s/ CARL RUBIN
	 	Name: Carl Rubin

Date: March 7, 2005

 	 

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