Document:

EXHIBIT 10.3

 

 

REHABCARE GROUP, INC.

TERMINATION COMPENSATION AGREEMENT

This agreement (“Agreement”) has been entered into as of the 10th day of March, 2006, by and between RehabCare Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and John H. Short, PhD, an individual (the “Executive”).

 

RECITALS

The Board of Directors of the Company has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to reinforce and encourage the continued attention and dedication of the Executive to the Company as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and to assure that the Company will have the continued dedication of the Executive, notwithstanding the possibility or occurrence of a Change in Control (as defined below). The Board desires to provide for the continued employment of the Executive as President and Chief Executive Officer on terms competitive with those of other corporations, and the Executive is willing to rededicate himself and continue to serve the Company as its President and Chief Executive Officer. Additionally, the Board believes it is imperative to diminish the inevitable distraction of the Executive by virtue of the personal uncertainties
and risks created by a potential or pending Change in Control and to encourage the Executive’s full attention and dedication to the Company currently and in the event of any potential or pending Change in Control, and to provide the Executive with compensation and benefits arrangements upon any termination after a Change in Control and certain terminations of employment prior to a Change in Control which ensure that the compensation and benefits expectations of the Executive will be satisfied. Therefore, in order to accomplish these objectives, the Board has caused the Company to enter into this Agreement.

IT IS AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

	
            Section 1:
 	
            Definitions and Construction.
 

1.1          Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following words and phrases, whether or not capitalized, shall have the meanings specified below, unless the context plainly requires a different meaning.

1.1(a)     “Accrued Obligations” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a) of this Agreement.

1.1(b)     “Annual Base Salary” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a) of this Agreement.

	
             
 	
            1.1(c)
 	
            “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
 	
             

	
             
 	
            1.1(d)
 	
            “Cause” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3 of this Agreement.
 
	
             
 	
            1.1(e)
 	
            “Change in Control” means:
 	
             

					

 

(i)            The acquisition by any individual, entity or group, or a Person (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) of ownership of thirty percent (30%) or more of either (a) the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the “Outstanding Company Common Stock”) or (b) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”); or

 

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EXHIBIT 10.3

 

 

(ii)          Individuals who, as the date hereof, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election, by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, as a member of the Incumbent Board, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of either an actual or threatened election contest (as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A
promulgated under the Exchange Act) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or

(iii)         Approval by the stockholders of the Company of a reorganization, merger or consolidation, in each case, unless, following such reorganization, merger or consolidation, (a) more than fifty percent (50%) of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors is then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or consolidation
in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or consolidation, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (b) no Person beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, thirty percent (30%) or more of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation, entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and (c) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such reorganization, merger or consolidation;

(iv)         Approval by the stockholders of the Company of (a) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or (b) the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, other than to a corporation, with respect to which following such sale or other disposition, (1) more than forty percent (40%) of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of such corporation and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors is then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting
Securities immediately prior to such sale or other disposition in substantially the same proportion as their ownership, immediately prior to such sale or other disposition, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (2) no Person beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, thirty percent (30%) or more of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of such corporation and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and (3) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of such corporation were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or action of the Board providing for such sale or other disposition of assets of the Company.

 

1.1(f)      “Change in Control Date” means the date that the Change in Control first occurs.

 

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EXHIBIT 10.3

 

 

1.1(g)     “Company” has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph of this Agreement and, with regard to successors, in Section 6.2 of this Agreement.

	
             
 	
            1.1(h)
 	
            “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 

1.1(i)      “Date of Termination” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7 of this Agreement. In all cases, a “Date of Termination” shall only occur upon separation from service from the Company and all of its affiliates, as defined in Treasury regulations under Section 409A of the Code.

	
             
 	
            1.1(j)
 	
            “Disability” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2 of this Agreement.
 

1.1(k)     “Disability Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2 of this Agreement.

1.1(l)      “Effective Date” means the date of this Agreement specified in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

1.1(m)    “Employment Period” means the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the later of (i) December 31, 2007, or (ii) December 31st of any succeeding year during which notice is given by either party (as described in Section 2.1 of this Agreement) of such party’s intent not to renew this Agreement.

	
             
 	
            1.1(n)
 	
            “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 

1.1(o)     “Excise Tax” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(f)(i) of this Agreement.

	
             
 	
            1.1(p)
 	
            “Good Reason” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4 of this Agreement.
 

1.1(q)     “Gross-Up Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(f)(i) of this Agreement.

1.1(r)      “Incumbent Board” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1(e)(ii) of this Agreement.

1.1(s)      “Notice of Termination” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6 of this Agreement.

1.1(t)      “Other Benefits” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(e) of this Agreement.

1.1(u)     “Outstanding Company Common Stock” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1(e)(i) of this Agreement.

1.1(v)     “Outstanding Company Voting Securities” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1(e)(i) of this Agreement.

	
             
 	
            1.1(w)
 	
            “Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(f)(i) of this Agreement.
 

1.1(x)     “Person” means any “person” within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act.

1.1(y)     “Prorated Target Bonus” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(a) of this Agreement.

1.1(z)     “Specified Employee” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.9 of this Agreement.

 

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EXHIBIT 10.3

 

 

1.1(aa)   “Target Bonus” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(b) of this Agreement.

1.1(bb)   “Term” means the period that begins on the Effective Date and ends on the earlier of: (i) the Date of Termination, or (ii) the close of business on the later of December 31, 2007 or December 31st of any renewal term.

 

1.2          Gender and Number. When appropriate, pronouns in this Agreement used in the masculine gender include the feminine gender, words in the singular include the plural, and words in the plural include the singular.

1.3          Headings. All headings in this Agreement are included solely for ease of reference and do not bear on the interpretation of the text. Accordingly, as used in this Agreement, the terms “Article” and “Section” mean the text that accompanies the specified Article or Section of the Agreement.

1.4          Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Missouri, without reference to its conflict of law principles.

	
            Section 2:
 	
            Terms and Conditions of Employment.
 

2.1          Period of Employment. The Executive shall remain in the employ of the Company throughout the Term of this Agreement in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement. This Agreement will automatically renew for annual one-year periods unless either party gives the other written notice, by September 30, 2007, or September 30 of any succeeding year, of such party’s intent not to renew this Agreement.

	
             
 	
            2.2
 	
            Positions and Duties.
 

2.2(a)     Throughout the Term of this Agreement, the Executive shall serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company subject to the reasonable directions of the Board. The Executive shall have such authority and shall perform such duties as are specified by the Bylaws of the Company and the Board for the office of President and Chief Executive Officer, subject to the control exercised by the Board from time to time. In addition, each year throughout the Term that the Executive serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, the Executive shall be nominated by the Compensation and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee and/or the Board for election as a director at the annual meeting of stockholders of the Company.

2.2(b)     Throughout the Term of this Agreement (but excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which the Executive is entitled), the Executive shall devote reasonable attention and time during normal business hours to the business and affairs of the Company and shall use his reasonable best efforts to perform faithfully and efficiently such responsibilities as are assigned to him under or in accordance with this Agreement; provided that, it shall not be a violation of this Section 2.2(b) for the Executive to (i) serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees with or without compensation, (ii) deliver lectures or fulfill speaking engagements, with or without compensation, or (iii) manage personal investments, so long as such activities do not significantly interfere with the performance
of the Executive’s responsibilities as an employee of the Company in accordance with this Agreement, violate the terms of this Agreement or any other agreement between Executive and the Company, or violate the Company’s conflict of interest policy or any applicable law.

2.3          Situs of Employment. Throughout the Term of this Agreement, the Executive’s services shall be performed at and out of the Company’s executive offices located in the greater St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan area. It is understood and agreed that the President and CEO of the 

 

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EXHIBIT 10.3

 

 

Company should be based in and office and work out of the Company’s executive offices in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

 

	
             
 	
            2.4
 	
            Compensation.
 

2.4(a)     Annual Base Salary. At the date of this Agreement, the Executive will be paid a base salary (“Annual Base Salary”) at an annual rate of Five Hundred Seventy-Eight Thousand Four Hundred Forty-Eight Dollars ($578,448), which shall be paid in equal or substantially equal semi-monthly installments. During the Term of this Agreement, the Annual Base Salary payable to the Executive shall be reviewed at least annually and shall be increased at the discretion of the Board or the Compensation and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee of the Board but shall not be reduced.

2.4(b)     Incentive Bonuses. In addition to Annual Base Salary, the Executive shall be awarded the opportunity to earn an incentive bonus on an annual basis under any incentive compensation plan which is generally available to other peer executives of the Company. The Board of Directors or the Compensation and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee shall establish at the beginning of each calendar year a target incentive award equal to a designated percentage of  the Executive’s Annual Base Salary paid during that plan year, which percentage shall not be less than sixty percent (60%) for each of the calendar years 2006 and 2007 (the “Target Bonus”). The Board and/or the Compensation and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee may also establish minimum and maximum incentive bonus
opportunities on an annual basis in addition to the Target Bonus, provided that the maximum incentive bonus for each of 2006 and 2007 shall not be less than one hundred eighty percent (180%) of Executive’s Target Bonus. The Board of Directors shall be exclusively responsible for decisions relating to administration of the executive incentive plans.

2.4(c)     Incentive, Savings and Retirement Plans. Throughout the Term of this Agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all equity incentive, savings and retirement plans generally available to other peer executives of the Company; provided, however, that the nature and level of any equity incentive awards shall be solely determined by the Board or the Compensation and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee in its discretion. Also, during the Term, the Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Company’s long term cash incentive plan. During the Term, the percentage of Executive’s Annual Base Salary upon which a potential long term incentive award shall be established by the Board or the Compensation and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee in its
discretion; provided that the potential award for the long term performance periods commencing in 2004 and 2005, respectively, shall not be less than $262,500, and the potential award for the long term performance period commencing in 2006 shall not be less than seventy-five percent (75%) of Executive’s Annual Base Salary. For each three (3) year performance period during the Term and under the plan, the financial metrics for receiving a payout will be established by the Board or the Committee in its discretion and otherwise determined by the terms of the plan. Payment of awards under the long term cash incentive plan, and eligibility to receive any payment, will be determined under and according to the terms of that plan and based upon performance criteria established annually by the Board or the Committee under the plan. Nothing herein prevents the Company from terminating or changing the long term cash incentive plan in its discretion, subject to a participant’s right
under the plan as to any incentive award which has already been earned.

 

2.4(d)     Welfare Benefit Plans. Throughout the Term of this Agreement (and thereafter, subject to Section 4.1(d) or 4.2(d) hereof), the Executive and/or the Executive’s family, as the case may be, shall be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits under welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company (including, without limitation, medical, prescription, dental, disability, salary continuance, employee life, group life, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the extent generally available to 

 

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EXHIBIT 10.3

 

 

other peer executives of the Company. Throughout the Term, the Executive also will be eligible to participate in any nonqualified supplemental retirement program hereafter established for senior executives of the Company generally, subject to and on the same terms applicable to such other senior executives generally.

2.4(e)     Expenses. Throughout the Term of this Agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of the Company.

2.4(f)      Fringe Benefits. Throughout the Term of this Agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to such fringe benefits as generally are provided to other peer executives of the Company.

2.4(g)     Office and Support Staff. Throughout the Term of this Agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to an office or offices at the Company’s executive offices in the greater St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan area of a size and with furnishings and other appointments, and to personal secretarial and other assistance, as are generally provided to other peer executives of the Company.

2.4(h)     Vacation. Throughout the Term of this Agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the plans, policies, programs and practices as are generally provided to other peer executives of the Company.

	
            Section 3:
 	
            Termination of Employment.
 

3.1          Death. The Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon the Executive’s death during the Employment Period.

3.2          Disability. If the Company determines in good faith that the Disability of the Executive has occurred during the Employment Period (pursuant to the definition of Disability set forth below), the Company may give to the Executive written notice in accordance with Section 7.2 of its intention to terminate the Executive’s employment. In such event, the Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate effective on the thirtieth (30th) day after receipt of such notice by the Executive (the “Disability Effective Date”), provided that, within the thirty (30) days after such receipt, the Executive shall not have returned to full-time performance of the Executive’s duties. For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” shall mean
that the Executive has been unable with reasonable accommodation to perform the services required of the Executive hereunder on a full-time basis for a period of one hundred eighty (180) consecutive business days by reason of a physical and/or mental condition. “Disability” shall be deemed to exist when certified by a physician selected by the Company and acceptable to the Executive or the Executive’s legal representative (such agreement as to acceptability not to be withheld unreasonably). The Executive will submit to such medical or psychiatric examinations and tests as such physician deems necessary to make any such Disability determination.

 

3.3          Termination for Cause or without Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment during the Employment Period for “Cause,” which shall mean termination based upon: (i) the Executive’s willful and continued failure to substantially perform his duties with the Company (other than as a result of incapacity due to physical or mental condition), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Executive by the Company, which specifically identifies the manner in which the Executive has not substantially performed his duties, (ii) the Executive’s commission of an act constituting a criminal offense that would be classified as a felony under the applicable criminal code or involving moral turpitude,
dishonesty, or breach of trust, or (iii) the Executive’s material breach of any provision of this Agreement. For purposes of this Section, no act or failure to act on the Executive’s part shall be considered “willful” unless done, or omitted to be 

 

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EXHIBIT 10.3

 

 

done, without good faith and without reasonable belief that the act or omission was in the best interest of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and until (i) he receives a Notice of Termination from the Company, (ii) he is given the opportunity, with counsel, to be heard before the Board, and (iii) the Board finds, in its good faith opinion, that the Executive was guilty of the conduct set forth in the Notice of Termination. The Company also may terminate the Executive’s employment at any time during the Employment Period without Cause.

3.4          Termination by Executive for Good Reason. The Executive may terminate his employment with the Company during the Employment Period for “Good Reason,” which shall mean termination based upon: (i) the assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent in any respect with the position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties and responsibilities held by the Executive as of the date of this Agreement or any other action by the Company which results in a material diminution in such position, authority, duties and responsibilities; (ii) the Company’s requiring the Executive to have any office arrangements for performing his duties which are different than the arrangements in effect as of the date of this
Agreement; (iii) any reduction in Executive’s Annual Base Salary; (iv) any reduction in Executive’s annual Target Bonus; or (v) a material breach by the Company of any provision of this Agreement. Any termination of the Executive’s employment based upon a good faith determination of “Good Reason” made by the Executive shall be subject to a delivery of a Notice of Termination by the Executive to the Company in the manner prescribed in Section 3.6 and subject further to the ability of the Company to remedy promptly any action not taken in bad faith by the Company that may otherwise constitute Good Reason under this Section 3.4.

3.5          Voluntary Termination by the Executive. The Executive may voluntarily terminate his employment with the Company for any reason or for no reason at any time during the Employment Period.

3.6          Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company for Cause, without Cause, or Disability, or by the Executive for any reason or no reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party, given in accordance with Section 7.2. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated, and (iii) if the Date of Termination (as defined in Section 3.7 hereof) is other than the date of receipt of such notice,
specifies the termination date (which date shall be not more than fifteen (15) days after the giving of such notice). The failure of the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Cause shall not waive any right of the Company hereunder or preclude  the Company from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing  the Company’s rights hereunder.

3.7          Date of Termination. “Date of Termination” means (i) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, the Date of Termination shall be the date of receipt by the Executive of the Notice of Termination or any later date specified therein, as the case may be, (ii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability, the Date of Termination shall be the date of death of the Executive or the Disability Effective Date, as the case may be, or (iii) if the Executive’s employment is voluntarily terminated by the Executive for any reason or no reason, the Date of Termination shall be a date specified in the Notice of Termination, (iv) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by
the Company other than for Cause, death, or Disability, the Date of Termination shall be the date of receipt by the Executive of the Notice of Termination.

 

 

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EXHIBIT 10.3

 

 

 

	
            Section 4:
 	
            Certain Benefits Upon Termination.
 

4.1          Termination Without Cause or Timely Termination for Good Reason Prior to a Change in Control. Subject to the provisions of Section 4.9, if, prior to a Change in Control during the Employment Period, the Company terminates the Executive’s employment without Cause or the Executive terminates his employment with the Company for Good Reason within forty-five (45) days of the first occurrence of an event that would constitute Good Reason, the Executive shall be entitled to the payment of the benefits provided below:

4.1(a)     Accrued Obligations. Within thirty (30) days after the Date of Termination, the Company shall pay to the Executive the sum of (1) the Executive’s accrued salary through the Date of Termination, and (2) any accrued and unused paid days off; in each case to the extent not previously paid. In addition, Executive shall be entitled to the accrued benefit payable to the Executive under any deferred compensation plan, program or arrangement in which the Executive is a participant subject to the computation of benefits and payment provisions of such plan, program or arrangement. All of the amounts due and owing to the Executive pursuant to this Section 4.1(a) are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Accrued Obligations”. Payment under any annual or long term cash incentive
plan shall be determined and governed solely by the terms of the applicable plan.

4.1(b)     Annual Base Salary and Target Bonus Continuation. For a period of twenty-four (24) months beginning in the month after the Date of Termination, the Company shall pay to the Executive on a monthly basis one-twelfth of an amount equal the sum of Executive’s then-current Annual Base Salary and Target Bonus for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs. Payments under any long term cash incentive plan are not part of or included in this calculation.

4.1(c)     Stock-Based Awards. To the extent not otherwise provided for or prohibited under the terms of the Company’s stock-based benefit plans or the Executive’s grant agreement, all stock-based awards held by the Executive that have not expired and are scheduled to vest and/or become exercisable within six (6) months after the Date of Termination in accordance with their respective terms, shall vest and/or become exercisable as of the Date of Termination and shall remain exercisable after the Date of Termination in accordance with the original terms of their respective grant agreements.

4.1(d)     Health Benefit Continuation. For twenty-four (24) months following the Date of Termination, the Executive and his spouse and other dependents shall continue to be covered by the medical, dental, vision and prescription drug plan(s) maintained by the Company in which the Executive and his spouse or other dependents were participating immediately prior to the Date of Termination; provided that to the extent such continued coverage is not permitted under the Company’s plans, for each of the twenty-four (24) months beginning in the month the Date of Termination occurs, the Company will provide substantially similar benefits or, at the Company’s option, pay to Executive an amount, grossed up for income and employment taxes thereon, equal to the dollar amount that would have been paid
by the Company for such coverage for the Executive and/or the Executive’s family under the Company’s plan(s) during such period; provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive medical or health benefits under another employer-provided plan, program, practice or policy the medical and health benefits described herein shall be immediately terminated upon the commencement of coverage under the new employer’s plan, program, practice or policy.

4.1(e)     Outplacement. During the twelve (12) month period following the Date of Termination, the Company shall provide to Executive executive-level outplacement services by a vendor selected by the Company.

 

 

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EXHIBIT 10.3

 

 

4.2          Benefits Upon a Change in Control. Subject to the provisions of Section 4.9, if a Change in Control occurs during the Employment Period and within two (2) years after the Change in Control Date (a) the Company terminates the Executive’s employment without Cause, or (b) the Executive voluntarily terminates employment with the Company for any reason or no reason, then the Executive shall become entitled to the payment of the benefits as provided below:

4.2(a)     Accrued Obligations. Within thirty (30) days after the Date of Termination, the Company shall pay to the Executive the Accrued Obligations and the “Prorated Target Bonus.”  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Prorated Target Bonus” means an amount determined by multiplying the actual percentage of the Executive’s base salary that was to be paid to the Executive as his Target Bonus in the year in which the Change in Control Date occurs by the Executive’s then-current Annual Base Salary as of the Date of Termination and prorating this amount by multiplying it by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during the then-current calendar year that the Executive was employed by the Company up to and including the Date of Termination and the
denominator of which is 365. Payment under any long term cash incentive plan shall be determined and governed solely by the terms of such plan.

4.2(b)     Severance Amount. Within thirty (30) days after the Date of Termination, the Company shall pay to the Executive as severance pay in a lump sum, in cash, an amount equal to 2.99 times the sum of the Executive’s then-current Annual Base Salary plus the greater of (i) Target Bonus for the year in which the Change in Control Date occurs; and (ii) the average of percentages of the Executive’s base salary that were actually paid to the Executive as an annual incentive bonus for each of the five (5) most recently completed years prior to the year in which the Date of Termination occurs (or, if the Executive has then been employed less than five (5) years, for the total number of completed years of employment prior to the year in which the Date of Termination occurs) times the Executives
then-current Annual Base Salary. Payments under any long term cash incentive plan are not part of or included in this calculation.

4.2(c)     Stock-Based Awards. To the extent not otherwise provided for or prohibited under the terms of the Company’s stock-based benefit plans or the Executive’s grant agreements, all stock-based awards held by the Executive that have not expired in accordance with their respective terms shall vest and/or become fully exercisable as of the Change in Control Date and shall remain exercisable after the Change in Control Date in accordance with the original terms of the respective grant agreements.

4.2(d)     Health Benefit Continuation. For twenty-four (24) months following the Date of Termination, the Executive and his spouse and other dependents shall continue to be covered by the medical, dental, vision and prescription drug plan(s) maintained by the Company in which the Executive and his spouse or other dependents were participating immediately prior to the Date of Termination; provided that to the extent such continued coverage is not permitted under the Company’s plan(s), for each of the twenty-four (24) months beginning in the month the Date of Termination occurs, the Company will provide substantially similar benefits or, at the Company’s option, pay to Executive an amount, grossed up for income and employment taxes thereon, equal to the dollar amount that would have been
paid by the Company for such coverage for the Executive and/or the Executive’s family under the Company’s plan(s) during such period; provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive medical or health benefits under another employer-provided plan, program, practice or policy the medical and health benefits described herein shall be immediately terminated upon the commencement of coverage under the new employer’s plan, program, practice or policy.

4.2(e)     Outplacement. During the twelve (12) month period following the Date of Termination, the Company shall provide to Executive executive-level outplacement services by a vendor selected by the Company.

 

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EXHIBIT 10.3

 

 

 

	
             
 	
            4.2(f)
 	
            Gross-up Payments.
 

(i)            Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event that it shall be determined that any payment by the Company to or for the benefit of the Executive (whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise but determined without regard to any additional payments required under this Section 4.2(f)) (a “Payment”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Code Section 4999 (or any successor provision) or any interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional
payment (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that after payment by the Executive of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including, without limitation, any income taxes (and any interest or penalties imposed with respect thereto) and Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, the Executive retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment on an after-tax basis equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payment. Any Gross-Up Payment required under this Section 4.2(f) shall be made on the April 1 of each of the three years immediately following the year in which the Date of Termination occurred. The intent of the parties is that the Company shall be responsible in full for, and shall pay, any and all Excise Tax on any Payments and Gross-up Payment(s) and any income and all excise and employment taxes (including, without limitation, penalties and interest) imposed on any Gross-up Payment(s) as well as any loss of deduction caused by
or related to the Gross-up Payment(s).

(ii)          Subject to the provisions of Section 4.2(f)(iii), all determinations required to be made under this Section 4.2(f), including whether and when a Gross-up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determinations, shall be made by the outside accounting firm that then audits the Company’s financial statements  (the “Accounting Firm”), which Accounting Firm shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and to the Executive within fifteen (15) business days of receipt of notice from the Company or the Executive that there has been or will be a Payment. In the event that the Accounting Firm is serving as the accountant or auditor for the Person effecting the Change in Control, the
Executive shall appoint another nationally recognized accounting firm to make the determinations required hereunder (which accounting firm shall then be referred to as the “Accounting Firm” hereunder). All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be paid solely by the Company. If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by the Executive, it shall furnish the Executive with a written opinion that failure to report the Excise Tax on the Executive’s applicable federal income tax return would not result in the imposition of a negligence or similar penalty. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and the Executive in the absence of a material mathematical or legal error. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that the Gross-Up Payments will not have been made by the Company that should
have been made or that the Gross-Up Payments will have been made that should not have been made, in each case consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event that the Company exhausts its remedies pursuant to Section 4.2(f)(iii) below and a payment of any Excise Tax or any interest, penalty or addition to tax related thereto is determined to be due, the Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the underpayment of Excise Taxes that has occurred and such underpayment and interest, penalty or addition to tax shall be promptly paid by the Company to the Internal Revenue Service in satisfaction of the Company’s original withholding obligations. In the event that the Accounting Firm determines that an overpayment of Gross-Up Payment(s) has occurred, the Executive shall be responsible for the immediate repayment to the Company of such overpayment with interest at the applicable federal rate provided for in Section 7872(f)(2) of the 

 

- 10 -

 

EXHIBIT 10.3

 

 

Code; provided, however, that the Executive shall have no duty or obligation whatsoever to repay such overpayment if Executive’s receipt of the overpayment, or any portion thereof, is included in the Executive’s income and the Executive’s repayment of the same is not deductible by the Executive for federal or state income tax purposes.

 

(iii)         The Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment of the Excise Tax. Such notification shall be given as soon as practicable but no later than ten (10) business days after the Executive is informed in writing of such claim by the Internal Revenue Service and the notification shall apprise the Company of the nature of the claim and the date on which such claim is required to be paid. The Executive shall not pay such claim prior to the expiration of a 30-day period following the date on which the Executive has given such notification to the Company (or such shorter period ending on the date that any payment of taxes with respect to such claim is required). If the Company notifies the Executive in
writing prior to the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, the Executive shall:

(A)          give the Company any information reasonably requested by the Company relating to such claim;

(B)          take such action in connection with contesting such claim as the Company shall reasonably request in writing from time to time, including without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the Company;

(C)          cooperate with the Company in good faith in order to effectively contest such claim; and

(D)          permit the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to such claim;

provided, however, that the Company shall bear and pay all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest, and shall indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis to the Executive, for any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest and penalties with respect thereto) imposed as a result of such contest. Without limitation on the foregoing provisions of this Section 4.2(f), the Company shall control all proceedings taken in connection with such contest and, at its sole option, may pursue or forgo any and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of such claim and may, at its sole option, either direct the Executive to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner, and the Executive agrees to prosecute
such contest to a determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction or in one or more appellate courts, as the Company shall determine.

4.3          Death. If the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of the Executive’s death during the Employment Period (either prior  or subsequent to a Change in Control), this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive’s legal representatives under this Agreement, other than for (i) payment of Accrued Obligations (as defined in Section 4.1(a)) (which shall be paid to the Executive’s estate or beneficiary, as applicable, in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days of the Date of Termination) and (ii) the timely payment or provision of any other benefits to which Executive’s beneficiaries are entitled under the terms of any of the Company’s benefit plans or programs, including death benefits pursuant
to the terms of any plan, policy, or arrangement of the Company. Payment under any long term cash incentive plan or other incentive compensation plan shall be determined and governed solely by the terms of the applicable plan.

 

- 11 -

 

EXHIBIT 10.3

 

 

4.4          Disability. If the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of the Executive’s Disability during the Employment Period (either prior or subsequent to a Change in Control), this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive, other than for (i) payment of Accrued Obligations (as defined in Section 4.1(a)) (which shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days of the Date of Termination) and (ii) the timely payment or provision of any other benefits to which the Executive is entitled under the terms of any of the Company’s benefit plans or programs, including Disability benefits pursuant to the terms of any plan, policy or arrangement of the Company. Payment under any long term cash
incentive plan or other incentive compensation plan shall be determined and governed solely by the terms of the applicable plan.

 

4.5          Termination by the Company for Cause or Voluntarily by the Executive Prior to a Change in Control. If the Executive’s employment shall be terminated by the Company for Cause during the Employment Period (either prior or subsequent to a Change in Control) or voluntarily by the Executive for any reason or for no reason prior to a Change in Control, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive, other than for (i) payment of the Executive’s Accrued Obligations (as defined in Section 4.1(a)) (which shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days of the Date of Termination), and (ii) the timely payment or provision of any other benefits to which the Executive is entitled under the under the terms
of any of the Company’s benefit plans or programs, as applicable for such termination as provided in Section 4.6. Payment under any long term cash incentive plan or other incentive compensation plan shall be determined and governed solely by the terms of the applicable plan.

4.6          Non-Exclusivity of Rights. Except as provided in Sections 4.1(d) and 4.1(e) or 4.2(d) and 4.2(e), nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit the Executive’s continuing or future participation in any plan, program, policy or practice provided by the Company and for which the Executive may qualify. Amounts which are vested benefits of which the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, policy, practice or program of, or any other contract or agreement with, the Company at or subsequent to the Date of Termination, shall be payable in accordance with such plan, policy, practice or program or contract or agreement.

4.7          Full Settlement. The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against the Executive or others. In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and, except as provided in Section 4.1(d), such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Executive obtains other employment. The Company agrees to pay promptly as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses which the
Executive may reasonably incur as a result of any contest (regardless of the outcome thereof) by the Company, the Executive or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement or any guarantee of performance thereof (including as a result of any contest by the Executive regarding the amount of any payment pursuant to this Agreement), plus in each case interest on any delayed payment at the applicable Federal rate provided for in Code Section 7872(f)(2)(A).

4.8           Conditions To Payments. To be eligible to receive (and continue to receive) and retain the payments and benefits described in Section 4.1 (b) - (e) or Section 4.2 (b) – (e), the Executive must comply with the terms of paragraph 5, and must execute and deliver to the Company an agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Company, effectively releasing and giving up all claims the Executive may have against the Company and its subsidiaries, shareholders, successors and affiliates (and each of their respective employees, officers, plans and agents) arising out of or based upon 

 

- 12 -

 

EXHIBIT 10.3

 

 

any facts or conduct occurring prior to that date, and reaffirming and agreeing to comply with the terms of this Agreement and any other agreement signed by the Executive in favor of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. The agreement will be prepared by the Company and provided to the Executive at the time the Executive’s employment is terminated or as soon as administratively practicable thereafter. The agreement also will require the Executive, among other things, to consult with Company representatives, and voluntarily appear as a witness for trial or deposition (and to prepare for any such testimony) in connection with, any claim which may be asserted by or against the Company, or any business matter concerning the Company or any of its transactions or operations. The Company will have no obligations to make the payments and/or provide the benefits specified in Section 4.1 (b)
– (e) or Section 4.2 (b) – (e) specified above, when applicable, unless and until the Executive signs and delivers the agreement described in this Section 4.8 and all conditions to the effectiveness of the release and waiver (including but not limited to the expiration of any applicable time period to consider signing the agreement or to revoke acceptance without any action being taken to revoke acceptance or otherwise invalidate the agreement) have been satisfied.

 

4.9          Key Employee Six Month Deferral. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4, a “Specified Employee” may not receive a payment of nonqualified deferred compensation, as defined in Code Section 409A and the regulations thereunder, until at least six months after a Date of Termination. Any payment of nonqualified  deferred compensation otherwise due in such six month period shall be suspended and become payable at the end of such six month period.

A “Specified Employee,” for each calendar year, means an employee who is a key employee, as defined by the Company in accordance with Section 409A and the regulations thereunder.

	
            Section 5:
 	
            Non-Competition.
 

The provisions of this Section 5 and any related provisions shall survive termination of this Agreement and/or Executive’s employment with the Company and do not supersede, but are in addition to and not in lieu of, any other agreements signed by Executive concerning non competition, confidentiality, solicitation of employees, or trade secrets (whether included in a stock option agreement or otherwise), and are included in consideration for the Company entering into this Agreement. Executive’s right to receive and retain the benefits specified in Section 4.1(b) – (e) or Section 4.2 (b) – (e)  are conditioned upon Executive’s compliance with the terms of this Section 5:

	
             
 	
            5.1
 	
            Non-Compete Agreement.
 

5.1(a)     During the Executive’s employment with the Company and during the period beginning on the date the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates and ending one (1) year thereafter (i.e., on the anniversary of the date the Executive’s employment terminates), the Executive shall not, without prior written approval of the Board, become an officer, employee, agent, partner, or director of, or provide any services or advice to or for, any business enterprise in substantial direct competition (as defined in Section 5.1(b)) with the Company; provided that (i) if the Executive terminates Executive’s employment for Good Reason after a Change in Control, then Executive will not be subject to the restrictions of this Section 5.1(a), and (ii) if after a Change in Control the Executive’s employment
is terminated by the Company, the Executive’s employment terminates by reason of a Disability, or the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Executive other than for Good Reason, then the period of the post employment restriction set out above shall be a period of two (2) years from the date the Executive’s employment terminates rather than a period of one (1) year. The above constraint shall not prevent the Executive from making passive investments, not to exceed five percent (5%), in any enterprise where Executive’s services or advice is not required or provided.

 

- 13 -

 

EXHIBIT 10.3

 

 

5.1(b)     For purposes of Section 5.1, a business enterprise with which the Executive becomes associated as an officer, employee, agent, partner, or director shall be considered in substantial direct competition, if such entity competes with the Company in any business in which the Company or any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries is engaged or provides services or products of a type which is marketed, sold or provided by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates (including but not limited to any product or service which the Company or any such other entity is developing) within any State or country where the Company or any such affiliate or subsidiary then provides or markets (or plans to provide or market) any service or product as of the date the Executive’s Company employment terminates.

5.1(c)     During the Executive’s employment with the Company and during the period beginning on the date the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates and ending one (1) year thereafter (i.e., on the anniversary of the date the Executive’s employment terminates), the Executive shall not, without prior written approval of the Board, directly or indirectly, solicit, provide to, take away, or attempt to take away or provide to any customer or solicited prospect of the Company or any of its subsidiaries any business of a type which the Company or such subsidiary provides or markets or which is competitive with any business then engaged in (or product or services marketed or planned to be marketed) by the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or induce or attempt to induce any such customer to reduce such
customer’s business with that business entity, or divert any such customer’s business from the Company and its subsidiaries; or discuss that subject with any such customer. However, if after a Change in Control the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company, the Executive’s employment terminates by reason of a Disability, or Executive’s employment is terminated by the Executive other than for Good Reason, then the period of the post employment restriction set out above shall be a period of two (2) years from the date the Executive’s employment terminates rather than a period of one (1) year.

 

5.1(d)     During the Executive’s employment with the Company and during the period beginning on the date the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates and ending one (1) year thereafter (i.e., on the first anniversary of the date Executive’s employment terminates), the Executive shall not, without prior written approval of the Board, directly or indirectly solicit the employment of, recruit, employ, hire, cause to be employed or hired, entice away, or establish a business with, any then current officer, office manager, staffing coordinator or other employee or agent of the Company or any of  its  subsidiaries or affiliates (other than non-supervisory or non-managerial personnel who are employed in a clerical or maintenance position) or any other such person who was employed by the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or affiliates within the twelve (12) months immediately prior to the date the Executive’s employment with the Company terminated; or suggest to or discuss with any such employee the discontinuation of that person’s status or employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries and affiliates, or such person’s employment or participation in any activity in competition with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.

5.2          Confidential Information. The Executive has received (and will receive) under a relationship of trust and confidence, and shall hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company, all “Confidential Information” and secret or confidential information, knowledge or data relating to the Company or any of its affiliated companies or direct or indirect subsidiaries, and their respective businesses, which shall have been obtained by the Executive during the Executive’s employment by the Company and which shall not be or become public knowledge (other than by acts by the Executive or representatives of the Executive in violation of this Agreement). During the Executive’s employment with the Company and after termination of the
Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive shall never, without the prior written consent of the Company, or as may otherwise be required by law or legal process, use (other than during Executive’s employment with the Company for the benefit of the Company), or communicate, reveal, or divulge any such 

 

- 14 -

 

EXHIBIT 10.3

 

 

information, knowledge or data, to anyone other than the Company and those designated by it. In no event shall an asserted violation of the provisions of this Section 5.2 constitute a basis for deferring or withholding any amounts otherwise payable to the Executive under this Agreement. “Confidential Information” means confidential and/or proprietary information and trade secrets of or relating to the Company or any of its subsidiaries and affiliates (and includes information the disclosure of which might be injurious to those companies), including but not limited to information concerning personnel of the Company or any of its subsidiaries and affiliates, confidential financial information, customer or customer prospect information, information concerning temporary staffing candidates, temporary employees, and personnel, temporary employee and customer lists and data, methods and formulas for
estimating costs and setting prices, research results (such as marketing surveys, or trials), software, programming, and programming architecture, enhancements and developments, cost data (such as billing, equipment and programming cost projection models), compensation information and models, business or marketing plans or strategies, new products or marketing strategies, deal or business terms, budgets, vendor names, programming operations, information on proposed acquisitions or dispositions, actual performance compared to budgeted performance, long-range plans, results of internal analyses, computer programs and programming information, techniques and designs, business and marketing plans, acquisition plans and strategies, divestiture plans and strategies, internal valuations of Company assets, and trade secrets, but does not include information generally known in the marketplace. In addition, Confidential Information includes information of another company given to the Company
with the understanding that it will be kept information confidential. All Confidential Information described herein is and constitutes trade secret information (regardless of whether the same is legally determined to be a trade secret) and is not the property of the Executive.

5.3          Non Disparagement. The Executive will never criticize, denigrate, disparage, or make any derogatory statements about the Company or its respective business plans, policies and practices, or about any of the Company’s officers, employees or former officers or employees, to customers, competitors, suppliers, employees, former employees, members of the public, members of the media, or any other person; nor shall the Executive harm or in any way adversely affect the reputation and goodwill of the Company. Nothing in this paragraph shall preclude or prevent the Executive from giving truthful testimony or information to law enforcement entities, administrative agencies or courts or in any other legal proceedings as required by law.

 

5.4          Provisions Relating To Non Competition, Non Solicitation And Confidentiality. The provisions of this Section 5 survive the termination of Executive’s employment and this Agreement and shall not be affected by any subsequent changes in employment terms, positions, duties, responsibilities, authority, or employment termination, permitted or contemplated by this Agreement. To the extent that any covenant set forth in this Section 5 of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable in any respect or to any extent, the covenant shall not be void or rendered invalid, but instead shall be automatically amended for such lesser term, to such lesser extent, or in such other lesser degree, as will grant the Company the maximum protection and
restrictions on the Executive’s activities permitted by applicable law in such circumstances. In cases where there is a dispute as to the right to terminate the Executive’s employment or the basis for such termination, the term of any covenant set forth in Section 5 shall commence as of the date specified in the Notice of Termination and shall not be deemed to be tolled or delayed by reason of the provisions of this Agreement. The Company shall have the right to injunctive relief to restrain any breach or threatened breach of any provisions in this Section 5 in addition to and not in lieu of any rights to recover damages or cease making payments under this Agreement. The Company shall have the right to advise any prospective or then current employer of Executive of the provisions of this Agreement without liability. The Company’s right to enforce the provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected by the existence, or non-existence, of any other similar agreement for
any other executive, or 

 

- 15 -

 

EXHIBIT 10.3

 

 

by the Company’s failure to exercise any of its rights under this Agreement or any other similar agreement or to have in effect a similar agreement for any other employee.

	
            Section 6:
 	
            Successors.
 

6.1          Successors of Executive. This Agreement is personal to the Executive and, without the prior written consent of the Company, the rights (but not the obligations) shall not be assignable by the Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s legal representatives.

6.2          Successors of Company. This Agreement is freely assignable by the Company and its successors/assignees. The Company will 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 or the division in which the Executive is employed, as the case may be, to assume expressly 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 prior to the effectiveness of any such succession shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle the Executive to terminate the Agreement at his option on or after
the Change in Control Date for Good Reason.

	
            Section 7:
 	
            Miscellaneous.
 

7.1          Other Agreements. This Agreement supersedes all prior dated agreements, letters and understandings concerning employment or severance benefits payable to the Executive, either before or after a Change in Control, including that certain Termination Compensation Agreement dated May 3, 2004. The Board may, from time to time in the future, provide other incentive programs and bonus arrangements to the Executive with respect to the occurrence of a Change in Control that will be in addition to the benefits required to be paid in the designated circumstances in connection with the occurrence of a Change in Control. Such additional incentive programs and/or bonus arrangements will affect or abrogate the benefits to be paid under this Agreement only in the manner and to
the extent explicitly agreed to by the Executive in any such subsequent program or arrangement. This Agreement does not supersede or affect in any way the validity of any agreement signed by Executive concerning confidentiality, stock options, post-employment competition, non solicitation of business, accounts or employees, or agreements of a similar type or nature; and any provisions of this Agreement shall be in addition to and not in lieu of (or replace) any such other agreements.

 

7.2          Notice. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses as set forth below; provided that all notices to the Company shall be directed to the attention of the Board of Directors, or to such other address as one party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

Notice to the Executive:

John H. Short, PhD

c/o RehabCare Group, Inc.

7733 Forsyth Boulevard

Suite 2300

St. Louis, Missouri 63105

Notice to the Company:

 

- 16 -

 

EXHIBIT 10.3

 

 

RehabCare Group, Inc.

7733 Forsyth Boulevard

Suite 2300

St. Louis, Missouri 63105

Att: Board of Directors

7.3          Validity. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

7.4          Withholding. The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state or local taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

7.5          Waiver. The Executive’s or the Company’s failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision hereof or any other provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert any right the Executive or the Company may have hereunder, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement.

7.6          Section 409A Compliance. The parties intend that all provisions of this Agreement comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A to the extent applicable. No provision of this Agreement shall be operative to the extent that it will result in the imposition of the additional tax described in Code Section 409A(a)(1)(B)(i)(II) and the parties agree to revise the Agreement as necessary to comply with Section 409A and fulfill the purpose of the voided provision. Nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted to permit accelerated payment of nonqualified deferred compensation, as defined in Section 409A, or any other payment in violation of the requirements of such Code Section 409A.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive and the Company, pursuant to the authorization from its Board, have caused this Agreement to be executed in its name on its behalf, all as of the day and year first above written.

 

 /s/    John H. Short, PhD       

John H. Short, PhD

 

REHABCARE GROUP, INC.

 

	
             
 	
            By: 
 	
             /s/    H. Edwin Trusheim     
 

Name: H. Edwin Trusheim

Title:  Chairman of the Board

 

 

 

- 17 -EXHIBIT 10.4

 

 

REHABCARE GROUP, INC.

TERMINATION COMPENSATION AGREEMENT

 

This agreement ("Agreement") has been entered into as of the 10th day of March, 2006, by and between RehabCare Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and _________________________, an individual (the "Executive").

 

RECITALS

The Board of Directors of the Company has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to reinforce and encourage the continued attention and dedication of the Executive to the Company as the Company's _________________________ and to assure that the Company will have the continued dedication of the Executive, notwithstanding the possibility or occurrence of a Change in Control (as defined below).  The Board desires to provide for the continued employment of the Executive as _________________________on terms competitive with those of other corporations, and the Executive is willing to rededicate himself and continue to serve the Company as its _________________________.  Additionally, the Board believes it is imperative to diminish the inevitable distraction of the Executive by virtue of the personal uncertainties and risks created by a potential or
pending Change in Control and to encourage the Executive's full attention and dedication to the Company currently and in the event of any potential or pending Change in Control, and to provide the Executive with compensation and benefits arrangements upon any termination after a Change in Control and certain terminations of employment prior to a Change in Control which ensure that the compensation and benefits expectations of the Executive will be satisfied.  Therefore, in order to accomplish these objectives, the Board has caused the Company to enter into this Agreement.

IT IS AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

	
            Section 1:
 	
            Definitions and Construction.
 

1.1          Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following words and phrases, whether or not capitalized, shall have the meanings specified below, unless the context plainly requires a different meaning.

1.1(a)     "Accrued Obligations" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a) of this Agreement.

1.1(b)     "Annual Base Salary" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a) of this Agreement.

	
             
 	
            1.1(c)
 	
            "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
 	
             

	
             
 	
            1.1(d)
 	
            "Cause" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3 of this Agreement.
 
	
             
 	
            1.1(e)
 	
            "Change in Control" means:
 	
             

					

(i)            The acquisition by any individual, entity or group, or a Person (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) of ownership of thirty percent (30%) or more of either (a) the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the "Outstanding Company Common Stock") or (b) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the "Outstanding Company Voting Securities"); or

 

- 1 -

 

EXHIBIT 10.4

 

 

(ii)          Individuals who, as the date hereof, constitute the Board (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election, by the Company's stockholders was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, as a member of the Incumbent Board, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of either an actual or threatened election contest (as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A promulgated under
the Exchange Act) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or

(iii)         Approval by the stockholders of the Company of a reorganization, merger or consolidation, in each case, unless, following such reorganization, merger or consolidation, (a) more than fifty percent (50%) of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors is then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or consolidation in
substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or consolidation, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (b) no Person beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, thirty percent (30%) or more of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation, entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and (c) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such reorganization, merger or consolidation;

(iv)         Approval by the stockholders of the Company of (a) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or (b) the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, other than to a corporation, with respect to which following such sale or other disposition, (1) more than forty percent (40%) of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of such corporation and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors is then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities
immediately prior to such sale or other disposition in substantially the same proportion as their ownership, immediately prior to such sale or other disposition, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (2) no Person beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, thirty percent (30%) or more of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of such corporation and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and (3) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of such corporation were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or action of the Board providing for such sale or other disposition of assets of the Company.

1.1(f)      "Change in Control Date" means the date that the Change in Control first occurs.

 

- 2 -

 

EXHIBIT 10.4

 

 

1.1(g)     "Company" has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph of this Agreement and, with regard to successors, in Section 6.2 of this Agreement.

	
             
 	
            1.1(h)
 	
            "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 

1.1(i)      "Date of Termination" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7 of this Agreement.  In all cases, a "Date of Termination" shall only occur upon separation from service from the Company and all of its affiliates, as defined in Treasury regulations under Section 409A of the Code.

	
             
 	
            1.1(j)
 	
            "Disability" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2 of this Agreement.
 

1.1(k)     "Disability Effective Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2 of this Agreement.

1.1(l)      "Effective Date" means the date of this Agreement specified in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

1.1(m)    "Employment Period" means the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the later of (i) December 31, 2006, or (ii) December 31 of any succeeding year during which notice is given by either party (as described in Section 2.1 of this Agreement) of such party's intent not to renew this Agreement.

	
             
 	
            1.1(n)
 	
            "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 

1.1(o)     "Excise Tax" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(f)(i) of this Agreement.

	
             
 	
            1.1 (p)
 	
            "Good Reason" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4 of this Agreement.
 

1.1(q)     "Gross-Up Payment" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(f)(i) of this Agreement.

1.1(r)      "Incumbent Board" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1(e)(ii) of this Agreement.

1.1(s)      "Notice of Termination" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6 of this Agreement.

1.1(t)      "Other Benefits" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(e) of this Agreement.

1.1(u)     "Outstanding Company Common Stock" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1(e)(i) of this Agreement.

1.1(v)     "Outstanding Company Voting Securities" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1(e)(i) of this Agreement.

	
             
 	
            1.1(w)
 	
            "Payment" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(f)(i) of this Agreement.
 

1.1(x)     "Person" means any "person" within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act.

1.1(y)     "Prorated Target Bonus" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(a) of this Agreement.

1.1(z)     "Specified Employee" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.9 of this Agreement.

 

- 3 -

 

EXHIBIT 10.4

 

 

1.1(aa)   "Target Bonus" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(b) of this Agreement.

1.1(bb)   "Term" means the period that begins on the Effective Date and ends on the earlier of: (i) the Date of Termination, or (ii) the close of business on the later of December 31, 2006 or December 31 of any renewal term.

1.2          Gender and Number.  When appropriate, pronouns in this Agreement used in the masculine gender include the feminine gender, words in the singular include the plural, and words in the plural include the singular.

1.3          Headings.  All headings in this Agreement are included solely for ease of reference and do not bear on the interpretation of the text.  Accordingly, as used in this Agreement, the terms "Article" and "Section" mean the text that accompanies the specified Article or Section of the Agreement.

1.4          Applicable Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Missouri, without reference to its conflict of law principles.

	
            Section 2:
 	
            Terms and Conditions of Employment.
 

2.1          Period of Employment.  The Executive shall remain in the employ of the Company throughout the Term of this Agreement in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement.  This Agreement will automatically renew for annual one-year periods unless either party gives the other written notice, by September 30, 2006, or September 30 of any succeeding year, of such party's intent not to renew this Agreement.

	
             
 	
            2.2
 	
            Positions and Duties.
 

2.2(a)     Throughout the Term of this Agreement, the Executive shall serve as _________________________ of the Company subject to the reasonable directions of the Board.  The Executive shall have such authority and shall perform such duties as are specified by the Bylaws of the Company and the Board for the office of _________________________, subject to the control exercised by the Board from time to time.

2.2(b)     Throughout the Term of this Agreement (but excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which the Executive is entitled), the Executive shall devote reasonable attention and time during normal business hours to the business and affairs of the Company and shall use his reasonable best efforts to perform faithfully and efficiently such responsibilities as are assigned to him under or in accordance with this Agreement; provided that, it shall not be a violation of this Section 2.2(b) for the Executive to (i) serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees with or without compensation, (ii) deliver lectures or fulfill speaking engagements, with or without compensation, or (iii) manage personal investments, so long as such activities do not significantly interfere with the performance of the
Executive's responsibilities as an employee of the Company in accordance with this Agreement, violate the terms of this Agreement or any other agreement between Executive and the Company, or violate the Company's conflict of interest policy or any applicable law.

2.3          Situs of Employment. Throughout the Term of this Agreement, the Executive's services shall be performed at and out of the Company's executive offices located in the greater St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan area or such other office as shall be agreed to between the Executive and the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

	
             
 	
            2.4
 	
            Compensation.
 

 

 

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EXHIBIT 10.4

 

 

2.4(a)     Annual Base Salary.  At the date of this Agreement, the Executive will be paid a base salary ("Annual Base Salary") at an annual rate of ________________________ Dollars ($__________), which shall be paid in equal or substantially equal semi-monthly installments.  During the Term of this Agreement, the Annual Base Salary payable to the Executive shall be reviewed at least annually after the end of the first calendar quarter (starting with calendar year 2006) and shall be increased at the discretion of the Board or the Compensation and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee of the Board but shall not be reduced.

2.4(b)     Incentive Bonuses.  In addition to Annual Base Salary, the Executive shall be awarded the opportunity to earn an incentive bonus on an annual basis under any incentive compensation plan which is generally available to other peer executives of the Company.  The Board of Directors or the Compensation and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee shall establish at the beginning of each calendar year a target incentive award equal to a designated percentage of the Executive's Annual Base Salary paid during that plan year (the "Target Bonus"). The Board and/or the Compensation and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee may also establish minimum and maximum incentive bonus opportunities on an annual basis in addition to the Target Bonus. The Board of Directors shall be exclusively
responsible for decisions relating to administration of the executive incentive plans.

2.4(c)     Incentive, Savings and Retirement Plans.  Throughout the Term of this Agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all equity incentive, savings and retirement plans generally available to other peer executives of the Company; provided, however, that the nature and level of any equity incentive awards shall be solely determined by the Board or the Compensation and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee in its discretion.  Also, during the Term, the Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Company's long term cash incentive plan.  During the Term, the percentage of Annual Base Salary upon which a potential award shall be based shall be established by the Board or the Compensation and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee in its discretion.  For each three (3)
year performance period during the Term and under the plan, the financial metrics for receiving a payout will be established by the Board or the Committee in its discretion and otherwise determined by the terms of the plan. Payment of awards under the long term cash incentive plan, and eligibility to receive any payment, will be determined under and according to the terms of that plan and based upon performance criteria established annually by the Board or the Committee under the plan.  Nothing herein prevents the Company from terminating or changing the long term cash incentive plan in its discretion, subject to a participant's right under the plan as to any incentive award which has already been earned.

2.4(d)     Welfare Benefit Plans.  Throughout the Term of this Agreement (and thereafter, subject to Section 4.1(d) or 4.2(d) hereof), the Executive and/or the Executive's family, as the case may be, shall be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits under welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company (including, without limitation, medical, prescription, dental, disability, salary continuance, employee life, group life, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the extent generally available to other peer executives of the Company.

2.4(e)     Expenses.  Throughout the Term of this Agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of the Company.

2.4(f)      Fringe Benefits.  Throughout the Term of this Agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to such fringe benefits as generally are provided to other peer executives of the Company.

 

- 5 -

 

EXHIBIT 10.4

 

 

2.4(g)     Office and Support Staff.  Throughout the Term of this Agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to an office or offices at the Company's executive offices in the greater St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan area and/or at such other location as the Executive and the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company shall agree of a size and with furnishings and other appointments, and to personal secretarial and other assistance, as are generally provided to other peer executives of the Company.

2.4(h)     Vacation.  Throughout the Term of this Agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the plans, policies, programs and practices as are generally provided to other peer executives of the Company.

	
            Section 3:
 	
            Termination of Employment.
 

3.1          Death.  The Executive's employment shall terminate automatically upon the Executive's death during the Employment Period.

3.2          Disability.  If the Company determines in good faith that the Disability of the Executive has occurred during the Employment Period (pursuant to the definition of Disability set forth below), the Company may give to the Executive written notice in accordance with Section 7.2 of its intention to terminate the Executive's employment.  In such event, the Executive's employment with the Company shall terminate effective on the thirtieth (30th) day after receipt of such notice by the Executive (the "Disability Effective Date"), provided that, within the thirty (30) days after such receipt, the Executive shall not have returned to full-time performance of the Executive's duties.  For purposes of this Agreement, "Disability" shall mean that the Executive has been
unable with reasonable accommodation to perform the services required of the Executive hereunder on a full-time basis for a period of one hundred eighty (180) consecutive business days by reason of a physical and/or mental condition.  "Disability" shall be deemed to exist when certified by a physician selected by the Company and acceptable to the Executive or the Executive's legal representative (such agreement as to acceptability not to be withheld unreasonably).  The Executive will submit to such medical or psychiatric examinations and tests as such physician deems necessary to make any such Disability determination.

3.3          Termination for Cause or without Cause.  The Company may terminate the Executive's employment during the Employment Period for "Cause," which shall mean termination based upon: (i) the Executive's willful and continued failure to substantially perform his duties with the Company (other than as a result of incapacity due to physical or mental condition), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Executive by the Company, which specifically identifies the manner in which the Executive has not substantially performed his duties, (ii) the Executive's commission of an act constituting a criminal offense that would be classified as a felony under the applicable criminal code or involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, or breach of trust, or
(iii) the Executive's material breach of any provision of this Agreement.  For purposes of this Section, no act or failure to act on the Executive's part shall be considered "willful" unless done, or omitted to be done, without good faith and without reasonable belief that the act or omission was in the best interest of the Company.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and until (i) he receives a Notice of Termination from the Company, (ii) he is given the opportunity, with counsel, to be heard before the Board, and (iii) the Board finds, in its good faith opinion, that the Executive was guilty of the conduct set forth in the Notice of Termination. The Company also may terminate the Executive's employment at any time during the Employment Period without Cause.

3.4          Termination by Executive for Good Reason.  The Executive may terminate his employment with the Company during the Employment Period for "Good Reason," which shall mean termination based upon: (i) the assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent in any respect 

 

- 6 -

 

EXHIBIT 10.4

 

 

with the position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties and responsibilities held by the Executive as of the date of this Agreement or any other action by the Company which results in a material diminution in such position, authority, duties and responsibilities; (ii) the Company's requiring the Executive to have any office arrangements for performing his duties which are different than the arrangements in effect as of the date of this Agreement; (iii) any reduction in Executive's Annual Base Salary; (iv) any reduction in Executive's annual Target Bonus; or (v) a material breach by the Company of any provision of this Agreement. Any termination of the Executive's employment based upon a good faith determination of "Good Reason" made by the Executive shall be subject to a delivery of a Notice of Termination by the Executive to the Company in the manner prescribed
in Section 3.6 and subject further to the ability of the Company to remedy promptly any action not taken in bad faith by the Company that may otherwise constitute Good Reason under this Section 3.4.

3.5          Voluntary Termination by the Executive.  The Executive may voluntarily terminate his employment with the Company for any reason or for no reason at any time during the Employment Period.

3.6          Notice of Termination.  Any termination by the Company for Cause, without Cause, or Disability, or by the Executive for any reason or no reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party, given in accordance with Section 7.2.  For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination" means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive's employment under the provision so indicated, and (iii) if the Date of Termination (as defined in Section 3.7 hereof) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the termination date
(which date shall be not more than fifteen (15) days after the giving of such notice).  The failure of the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Cause shall not waive any right of the Company hereunder or preclude the Company from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Company's rights hereunder.

3.7          Date of Termination.  "Date of Termination" means (i) if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, the Date of Termination shall be the date of receipt by the Executive of the Notice of Termination or any later date specified therein, as the case may be, (ii) if the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability, the Date of Termination shall be the date of death of the Executive or the Disability Effective Date, as the case may be, or (iii) if the Executive's employment is voluntarily terminated by the Executive for any reason or no reason, the Date of Termination shall be a date specified in the Notice of Termination, (iv) if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause, death, or
Disability, the Date of Termination shall be the date of receipt by the Executive of the Notice of Termination.

	
            Section 4:
 	
            Certain Benefits Upon Termination.
 

4.1          Termination Without Cause or Timely Termination for Good Reason Prior to a Change in Control.  Subject to the provisions of Section 4.9, if, prior to a Change in Control during the Employment Period, the Company terminates the Executive's employment without Cause or the Executive terminates his employment with the Company for Good Reason within forty-five (45) days of the first occurrence of an event that would constitute Good Reason, the Executive shall be entitled to the payment of the benefits provided below:

4.1(a)     Accrued Obligations.  Within thirty (30) days after the Date of Termination, the Company shall pay to the Executive the sum of (1) the Executive's accrued salary through the Date of Termination, and (2) any accrued and unused paid days off; in each case to the extent not 

 

- 7 -

 

EXHIBIT 10.4

 

 

previously paid. In addition, Executive shall be entitled to the accrued benefit payable to the Executive under any deferred compensation plan, program or arrangement in which the Executive is a participant subject to the computation of benefits and payment provisions of such plan, program or arrangement. All of the amounts due and owing to the Executive pursuant to this Section 4.1(a) are hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Accrued Obligations".  Payment under any annual or long-term cash incentive plan shall be determined and governed solely by the terms of the applicable plan.

4.1(b)     Annual Base Salary and Target Bonus Continuation.  For a period of twelve (12) months beginning in the month after the Date of Termination, the Company shall pay to the Executive on a monthly basis one-twelfth of an amount equal the sum of Executive's then-current Annual Base Salary and Target Bonus for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs.  Payments under any long term cash incentive plan are not part of or included in this calculation.

4.1(c)     Stock-Based Awards.  All stock-based awards held by the Executive will be exercisable or vested, expire or terminate in accordance with the terms of their respective grant agreements.

4.1(d)     Health Benefit Continuation.  For twelve (12) months following the Date of Termination, the Executive and his spouse and other dependents shall continue to be covered by the medical, dental, vision and prescription drug plan(s) maintained by the Company in which the Executive and his spouse or other dependents were participating immediately prior to the Date of Termination; provided that to the extent such continued coverage is not permitted under the Company's plans, for each of the twelve (12) months beginning in the month the Date of Termination occurs, the Company will provide substantially similar benefits or, at the Company's option, pay to Executive an amount, grossed up for income and employment taxes thereon, equal to the dollar amount that would have been paid by the Company for
such coverage for the Executive and/or the Executive's family under the Company's plan(s) during such period; provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive medical or health benefits under another employer-provided plan, program, practice or policy the medical and health benefits described herein shall be immediately terminated upon the commencement of coverage under the new employer's plan, program, practice or policy.

4.1(e)     Outplacement.  During the twelve (12) month period following the Date of Termination, the Company shall provide to Executive executive-level outplacement services by a vendor selected by the Company.

4.2          Benefits Upon a Change in Control.  Subject to the provisions of Section 4.9, if a Change in Control occurs during the Employment Period and within two (2) years after the Change in Control Date (a) the Company terminates the Executive's employment without Cause, or (b) the Executive terminates employment with the Company for Good Reason, then the Executive shall become entitled to the payment of the benefits as provided below:

4.2(a)     Accrued Obligations.  Within thirty (30) days after the Date of Termination, the Company shall pay to the Executive the Accrued Obligations and the "Prorated Target Bonus."  For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Prorated Target Bonus" means an amount determined by multiplying the actual percentage of the Executive's base salary that was to be paid to the Executive as his Target Bonus in the year in which the Change in Control Date occurs by the Executive's then-current Annual Base Salary as of the Date of Termination and prorating this amount by multiplying it by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during the then-current calendar year that the Executive was employed by the Company up to and including the Date of Termination and the denominator of which is 365.
Payment under any long term cash incentive plan shall be determined and governed solely by the terms of such plan.

 

- 8 -

 

EXHIBIT 10.4

 

 

4.2(b)     Severance Amount.  Within thirty (30) days after the Date of Termination, the Company shall pay to the Executive as severance pay in a lump sum, in cash, an amount equal to 1.5 times the sum of the Executive's then-current Annual Base Salary plus Target Bonus for the year in which the Change in Control Date occurs.  Payments under any long term cash incentive plan are not part of or included in this calculation.

4.2(c)     Stock-Based Awards.  All stock-based awards held by the Executive will be exercisable or vested, expire or terminate in accordance with the terms of their respective grant agreements.

4.2(d)     Health Benefit Continuation.  For eighteen (18) months following the Date of Termination, the Executive and his spouse and other dependents shall continue to be covered by the medical, dental, vision and prescription drug plan(s) maintained by the Company in which the Executive and his spouse or other dependents were participating immediately prior to the Date of Termination; provided that to the extent such continued coverage is not permitted under the Company's plan(s), for each of the eighteen (18) months beginning in the month the Date of Termination occurs, the Company will provide substantially similar benefits or, at the Company's option, pay to Executive an amount, grossed up for income and employment taxes thereon, equal to the dollar amount that would have been paid by the
Company for such coverage for the Executive and/or the Executive's family under the Company's plan(s) during such period; provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive medical or health benefits under another employer-provided plan, program, practice or policy the medical and health benefits described herein shall be immediately terminated upon the commencement of coverage under the new employer's plan, program, practice or policy.

4.2(e)     Outplacement.  During the twelve (12) month period following the Date of Termination, the Company shall provide to Executive executive-level outplacement services by a vendor selected by the Company.

	
             
 	
            4.2(f)
 	
            Gross-up Payments.
 

(i)            Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event that it shall be determined that any payment by the Company to or for the benefit of the Executive (whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise but determined without regard to any additional payments required under this Section 4.2(f)) (a "Payment") would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Code Section 4999 (or any successor provision) or any interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax"), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a "Gross-Up
Payment") in an amount such that after payment by the Executive of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including, without limitation, any income taxes (and any interest or penalties imposed with respect thereto) and Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, the Executive retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment on an after-tax basis equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payment.  Any Gross-Up Payment required under this Section 4.2(f) shall be made on the April 1 of each of the three years immediately following the year in which the Date of Termination occurred.  The intent of the parties is that the Company shall be responsible in full for, and shall pay, any and all Excise Tax on any Payments and Gross-up Payment(s) and any income and all excise and employment taxes (including, without limitation, penalties and interest) imposed on any Gross-up Payment(s) as well as any loss of deduction caused by or related to the Gross-up
Payment(s).

(ii)          Subject to the provisions of Section 4.2(f)(iii), all determinations required to be made under this Section 4.2(f), including whether and when a Gross-up Payment is 

 

- 9 -

 

EXHIBIT 10.4

 

 

required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determinations, shall be made by the outside accounting firm that then audits the Company's financial statements  (the "Accounting Firm"), which Accounting Firm shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and to the Executive within fifteen (15) business days of receipt of notice from the Company or the Executive that there has been or will be a Payment.  In the event that the Accounting Firm is serving as the accountant or auditor for the Person effecting the Change in Control, the Executive shall appoint another nationally recognized accounting firm to make the determinations required hereunder (which accounting firm shall then be referred to as the "Accounting Firm" hereunder).  All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be paid solely by the Company.  If the Accounting
Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by the Executive, it shall furnish the Executive with a written opinion that failure to report the Excise Tax on the Executive's applicable federal income tax return would not result in the imposition of a negligence or similar penalty.  Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and the Executive in the absence of a material mathematical or legal error.  As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that the Gross-Up Payments will not have been made by the Company that should have been made or that the Gross-Up Payments will have been made that should not have been made, in each case consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder.  In the event that the Company exhausts its remedies pursuant to Section 4.2(f)(iii) below and a payment of any Excise Tax or any interest,
penalty or addition to tax related thereto is determined to be due, the Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the underpayment of Excise Taxes that has occurred and such underpayment and interest, penalty or addition to tax shall be promptly paid by the Company to the Internal Revenue Service in satisfaction of the Company's original withholding obligations.  In the event that the Accounting Firm determines that an overpayment of Gross-Up Payment(s) has occurred, the Executive shall be responsible for the immediate repayment to the Company of such overpayment with interest at the applicable federal rate provided for in Section 7872(f)(2) of the Code; provided, however, that the Executive shall have no duty or obligation whatsoever to repay such overpayment if Executive's receipt of the overpayment, or any portion thereof, is included in the Executive's income and the Executive's repayment of the same is not deductible by the
Executive for federal or state income tax purposes.

(iii)         The Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment of the Excise Tax.  Such notification shall be given as soon as practicable but no later than ten (10) business days after the Executive is informed in writing of such claim by the Internal Revenue Service and the notification shall apprise the Company of the nature of the claim and the date on which such claim is required to be paid.  The Executive shall not pay such claim prior to the expiration of a 30-day period following the date on which the Executive has given such notification to the Company (or such shorter period ending on the date that any payment of taxes with respect to such claim is required).  If the Company notifies the Executive in
writing prior to the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, the Executive shall:

(A)          give the Company any information reasonably requested by the Company relating to such claim;

(B)          take such action in connection with contesting such claim as the Company shall reasonably request in writing from time to time, including without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the Company;

(C)          cooperate with the Company in good faith in order to effectively contest such claim; and

 

- 10 -

 

EXHIBIT 10.4

 

 

(D)          permit the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to such claim;

provided, however, that the Company shall bear and pay all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest, and shall indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis to the Executive, for any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest and penalties with respect thereto) imposed as a result of such contest.  Without limitation on the foregoing provisions of this Section 4.2(f), the Company shall control all proceedings taken in connection with such contest and, at its sole option, may pursue or forgo any and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of such claim and may, at its sole option, either direct the Executive to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner, and the Executive agrees to prosecute
such contest to a determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction or in one or more appellate courts, as the Company shall determine.

4.3          Death.  If the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of the Executive's death during the Employment Period (either prior  or subsequent to a Change in Control), this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive's legal representatives under this Agreement, other than for payment of Accrued Obligations (as defined in Section 4.1(a)) (which shall be paid to the Executive's estate or beneficiary, as applicable, in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days of the Date of Termination) and any other benefits to which the Executive's beneficiaries are entitled under the terms of any of the Company's benefit plans or programs, including death benefits pursuant to the terms of any plan, policy, or arrangement of the Company. Payment
under any long term cash incentive plan or other incentive compensation plan shall be determined and governed solely by the terms of the applicable plan.

4.4          Disability. If the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of the Executive's Disability during the Employment Period (either prior or subsequent to a Change in Control), this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive, other than for (i) payment of Accrued Obligations (as defined in Section 4.1(a)) (which shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days of the Date of Termination) and (ii) the timely payment or provision of any other benefits to which the Executive is entitled under the terms of any of the Company's benefit plans or programs, including Disability benefits pursuant to the terms of any plan, policy or arrangement of the Company. Payment under any long term cash incentive plan or
other incentive compensation plan shall be determined and governed solely by the terms of the applicable plan.

4.5          Termination by the Company for Cause, Voluntary Termination by the Executive, or Untimely Termination for Good Reason Prior to a Change in Control.  During the Employment Period, if the Executive's employment shall be terminated: (i) by the Company for Cause, either prior or subsequent to a Change in Control, or (ii) voluntarily by the Executive for any reason other than Good Reason, either prior to or subsequent to a Change in Control, or (iii) by the Executive for Good Reason prior to a Change in Control but after the forty-five (45) day period for such termination as set forth in Section 4.1 of this Agreement, then this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive, other than for (y) payment of the Executive's Accrued Obligations
(as defined in Section 4.1(a)) (which shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days of the Date of Termination), and (z) the timely payment or provision of any other benefits to which Executive is entitled under the terms of any of the Company's benefit plans or programs.  Payment under any long term cash incentive plan or other incentive compensation plan shall be determined and governed solely by the terms of the applicable plan.

4.6          Non-Exclusivity of Rights.  Except as provided in Sections 4.1(d) and 4.1(e) or 4.2(d) and 4.2(e), nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit the Executive's continuing or future 

 

- 11 -

 

EXHIBIT 10.4

 

 

participation in any plan, program, policy or practice provided by the Company and for which the Executive may qualify.  Amounts which are vested benefits of which the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, policy, practice or program of, or any other contract or agreement with, the Company at or subsequent to the Date of Termination, shall be payable in accordance with such plan, policy, practice or program or contract or agreement.

4.7          Full Settlement. The Company's obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against the Executive or others. In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and, except as provided in Sections 4.1(d) and 4.2(d), such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Executive obtains other employment.  The Company agrees to pay promptly as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses
which the Executive may reasonably incur as a result of any contest (regardless of the outcome thereof) by the Company, the Executive or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement or any guarantee of performance thereof (including as a result of any contest by the Executive regarding the amount of any payment pursuant to this Agreement), plus in each case interest on any delayed payment at the applicable Federal rate provided for in Code Section 7872(f)(2)(A).

4.8           Conditions To Payments.  To be eligible to receive (and continue to receive) and retain the payments and benefits described in Sections 4.1(b) - (e) or Sections 4.2(b) – (e), the Executive must comply with the terms of paragraph 5, and must execute and deliver to the Company an agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Company, effectively releasing and giving up all claims the Executive may have against the Company and its subsidiaries, shareholders, successors and affiliates (and each of their respective employees, officers, plans and agents) arising out of or based upon any facts or conduct occurring prior to that date, and reaffirming and agreeing to comply with the terms of this Agreement and any other agreement signed by the
Executive in favor of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. The agreement will be prepared by the Company and provided to the Executive at the time the Executive's employment is terminated or as soon as administratively practicable thereafter. The agreement also will require the Executive, among other things, to consult with Company representatives, and voluntarily appear as a witness for trial or deposition (and to prepare for any such testimony) in connection with, any claim which may be asserted by or against the Company, or any business matter concerning the Company or any of its transactions or operations. The Company will have no obligations to make the payments and/or provide the benefits specified in Sections 4.1(b) – (e) or Sections 4.2(b) – (e) specified above, when applicable, unless and until the Executive signs and delivers the agreement described in this Section 4.8 and all conditions to the effectiveness of the release and waiver (including but
not limited to the expiration of any applicable time period to consider signing the agreement or to revoke acceptance without any action being taken to revoke acceptance or otherwise invalidate the agreement) have been satisfied.

4.9          Key Employee Six Month Deferral.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4, a "Specified Employee" may not receive a payment of nonqualified deferred compensation, as defined in Code Section 409A and the regulations thereunder, until at least six months after a Date of Termination.  Any payment of nonqualified deferred compensation otherwise due in such six month period shall be suspended and become payable at the end of such six month period.

A "Specified Employee," for each calendar year, means an employee who is a key employee, as defined by the Company in accordance with Section 409A and the regulations thereunder.

	
            Section 5:
 	
            Non-Competition.
 

 

 

- 12 -

 

EXHIBIT 10.4

 

 

The provisions of this Section 5 and any related provisions shall survive termination of this Agreement and/or Executive's employment with the Company and do not supersede, but are in addition to and not in lieu of, any other agreements signed by Executive concerning non competition, confidentiality, solicitation of employees, or trade secrets (whether included in a stock option agreement or otherwise), and are included in consideration for the Company entering into this Agreement. Executive's right to receive and retain the benefits specified in Sections 4.1(b) – (e) or Sections 4.2(b) – (e)  are conditioned upon Executive's compliance with the terms of this Section 5:

	
             
 	
            5.1
 	
            Non-Compete Agreement.
 

5.1(a)     During the Executive's employment with the Company and during the period beginning on the date the Executive's employment with the Company terminates and ending one (1) year thereafter (i.e., on the anniversary of the date the Executive's employment terminates), the Executive shall not, without prior written approval of the Company's Chief Executive Officer, become an officer, employee, agent, partner, or director of, or provide any services or advice to or for, any business enterprise in substantial direct competition (as defined in Section 5.1(b)) with the Company. The above constraint shall not prevent the Executive from making passive investments, not to exceed five percent (5%), in any enterprise where Executive's services or advice is not required or provided.

5.1(b)     For purposes of Section 5.1, a business enterprise with which the Executive becomes associated as an officer, employee, agent, partner, or director shall be considered in substantial direct competition, if such entity competes with the Company in any business in which the Company or any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries is engaged or provides services or products of a type which is marketed, sold or provided by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates (including but not limited to any product or service which the Company or any such other entity is developing) within any State or country where the Company or any such affiliate or subsidiary then provides or markets (or plans to provide or market) any service or product as of the date the Executive's Company employment terminates.

5.1(c)     During the Executive's employment with the Company and during the period beginning on the date the Executive's employment with the Company terminates and ending one (1) year thereafter (i.e., on the anniversary of the date the Executive's employment terminates), the Executive shall not, without prior written approval of the Company's Chief Executive Officer, directly or indirectly, solicit, provide to, take away, or attempt to take away or provide to any customer or solicited prospect of the Company or any of its subsidiaries any business of a type which the Company or such subsidiary provides or markets or which is competitive with any business then engaged in (or product or services marketed or planned to be marketed) by the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or induce or attempt to induce any such customer to
reduce such customer's business with that business entity, or divert any such customer's business from the Company and its subsidiaries; or discuss that subject with any such customer.

5.1(d)     During the Executive's employment with the Company and during the period beginning on the date the Executive's employment with the Company terminates and ending one (1) year thereafter (i.e., on the first anniversary of the date Executive's employment terminates), the Executive shall not, without prior written approval of the Company's Chief Executive Officer, directly or indirectly solicit the employment of, recruit, employ, hire, cause to be employed or hired, entice away, or establish a business with, any then current officer, office manager, staffing coordinator or other employee or agent of the Company or any of  its  subsidiaries or affiliates (other than non-supervisory or non-managerial personnel who are employed in a clerical or maintenance position) or any other such person who was employed by the Company
or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates within the twelve (12) months immediately prior to the date the Executive's employment with the Company terminated; or suggest to or discuss with any such employee the discontinuation of that person's status or employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries and affiliates, or such 

 

- 13 -

 

EXHIBIT 10.4

 

 

person's employment or participation in any activity in competition with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.

5.2          Confidential Information.  The Executive has received (and will receive) under a relationship of trust and confidence, and shall hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company, all "Confidential Information" and secret or confidential information, knowledge or data relating to the Company or any of its affiliated companies or direct or indirect subsidiaries, and their respective businesses, which shall have been obtained by the Executive during the Executive's employment by the Company and which shall not be or become public knowledge (other than by acts by the Executive or representatives of the Executive in violation of this Agreement).  During the Executive's employment with the Company and after termination of the Executive's employment with
the Company, the Executive shall never, without the prior written consent of the Company, or as may otherwise be required by law or legal process, use (other than during Executive's employment with the Company for the benefit of the Company), or communicate, reveal, or divulge any such information, knowledge or data, to anyone other than the Company and those designated by it.  In no event shall an asserted violation of the provisions of this Section 5.2 constitute a basis for deferring or withholding any amounts otherwise payable to the Executive under this Agreement. "Confidential Information" means confidential and/or proprietary information and trade secrets of or relating to the Company or any of its subsidiaries and affiliates (and includes information the disclosure of which might be injurious to those companies), including but not limited to information concerning personnel of the Company or any of its subsidiaries and affiliates, confidential financial information, customer
or customer prospect information, information concerning temporary staffing candidates, temporary employees, and personnel, temporary employee and customer lists and data, methods and formulas for estimating costs and setting prices, research results (such as marketing surveys, or trials), software, programming, and programming architecture, enhancements and developments, cost data (such as billing, equipment and programming cost projection models), compensation information and models, business or marketing plans or strategies, new products or marketing strategies, deal or business terms, budgets, vendor names, programming operations, information on proposed acquisitions or dispositions, actual performance compared to budgeted performance, long-range plans, results of internal analyses, computer programs and programming information, techniques and designs, business and marketing plans, acquisition plans and strategies, divestiture plans and strategies, internal valuations of Company
assets, and trade secrets, but does not include information generally known in the marketplace.  In addition, Confidential Information includes information of another company given to the Company with the understanding that it will be kept information confidential.  All Confidential Information described herein is and constitutes trade secret information (regardless of whether the same is legally determined to be a trade secret) and is not the property of the Executive.

5.3          Non Disparagement. The Executive will never criticize, denigrate, disparage, or make any derogatory statements about the Company or its respective business plans, policies and practices, or about any of the Company's officers, employees or former officers or employees, to customers, competitors, suppliers, employees, former employees, members of the public, members of the media, or any other person; nor shall the Executive harm or in any way adversely affect the reputation and goodwill of the Company.  Nothing in this paragraph shall preclude or prevent the Executive from giving truthful testimony or information to law enforcement entities, administrative agencies or courts or in any other legal proceedings as required by law.

5.4          Provisions Relating To Non Competition, Non Solicitation And Confidentiality.  The provisions of this Section 5 survive the termination of Executive's employment and this Agreement and shall not be affected by any subsequent changes in employment terms, positions, duties, responsibilities, authority, or employment termination, permitted or contemplated by this Agreement.  To the extent that any covenant set forth in this Section 5 of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable in any respect or to any extent, the covenant shall not be 

 

- 14 -

 

EXHIBIT 10.4

 

 

void or rendered invalid, but instead shall be automatically amended for such lesser term, to such lesser extent, or in such other lesser degree, as will grant the Company the maximum protection and restrictions on the Executive's activities permitted by applicable law in such circumstances. In cases where there is a dispute as to the right to terminate the Executive's employment or the basis for such termination, the term of any covenant set forth in Section 5 shall commence as of the date specified in the Notice of Termination and shall not be deemed to be tolled or delayed by reason of the provisions of this Agreement. The Company shall have the right to injunctive relief to restrain any breach or threatened breach of any provisions in this Section 5 in addition to and not in lieu of any rights to recover damages or cease making payments under this Agreement. The Company shall have the right to advise
any prospective or then current employer of Executive of the provisions of this Agreement without liability. The Company's right to enforce the provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected by the existence, or non-existence, of any other similar agreement for any other executive, or by the Company's failure to exercise any of its rights under this Agreement or any other similar agreement or to have in effect a similar agreement for any other employee.

	
            Section 6:
 	
            Successors.
 

6.1          Successors of Executive.  This Agreement is personal to the Executive and, without the prior written consent of the Company, the rights (but not the obligations) shall not be assignable by the Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive's legal representatives.

6.2          Successors of Company.  This Agreement is freely assignable by the Company and its successors/assignees. The Company will 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 or the division in which the Executive is employed, as the case may be, to assume expressly 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 prior to the effectiveness of any such succession shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle the Executive to terminate the Agreement at his option on or
after the Change in Control Date for Good Reason.

	
            Section 7:
 	
            Miscellaneous.
 

7.1          Other Agreements.  This Agreement supersedes all prior dated agreements, letters and understandings concerning employment or severance benefits payable to the Executive, either before or after a Change in Control.  The Board may, from time to time in the future, provide other incentive programs and bonus arrangements to the Executive with respect to the occurrence of a Change in Control that will be in addition to the benefits required to be paid in the designated circumstances in connection with the occurrence of a Change in Control.  Such additional incentive programs and/or bonus arrangements will affect or abrogate the benefits to be paid under this Agreement only in the manner and to the extent explicitly agreed to by the Executive in any such subsequent
program or arrangement. This Agreement does not supersede or affect in any way the validity of any agreement signed by Executive concerning confidentiality, stock options, post-employment competition, non solicitation of business, accounts or employees, or agreements of a similar type or nature; and any provisions of this Agreement shall be in addition to and not in lieu of (or replace) any such other agreements.

7.2          Notice.  For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses as set forth below; provided that all notices to the Company shall be directed to the attention of the Board of Directors, or to such other address as one party may 

 

- 15 -

 

EXHIBIT 10.4

 

 

have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

Notice to the Executive:

 

______________________________________

[Address of Notice]

Notice to the Company:

 

RehabCare Group, Inc.

7733 Forsyth Boulevard

Suite 2300

St. Louis, Missouri 63105

Attn: Board of Directors

7.3          Validity.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

7.4          Withholding.  The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state or local taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

7.5          Waiver.  The Executive's or the Company's failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision hereof or any other provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert any right the Executive or the Company may have hereunder, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement.

7.6          Section 409A Compliance.  The parties intend that all provisions of this Agreement comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A to the extent applicable.  No provision of this Agreement shall be operative to the extent that it will result in the imposition of the additional tax described in Code Section 409A(a)(1)(B)(i)(II) and the parties agree to revise the Agreement as necessary to comply with Section 409A and fulfill the purpose of the voided provision.  Nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted to permit accelerated payment of nonqualified deferred compensation, as defined in Section 409A, or any other payment in violation of the requirements of such Code Section 409A.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive and the Company, pursuant to the authorization from its Board, have caused this Agreement to be executed in its name on its behalf, all as of the day and year first above written.

 

_________________________________________

[Name of Executive]

 

REHABCARE GROUP, INC.

 

	
             
 	
            By  
 	
            ____________________________________
 

Name: John H. Short

Title:  President and CEO

 

 

- 16 -

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