Document:

Exhibit 10.3

 

CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

 

This Agreement is entered into as of the 20th day of February, 2014 (the “Effective Date”) by and between ImmunoGen, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the “Company”), and Ellie Harrison (the “Executive”).

 

WHEREAS, the Company recognizes that the Executive’s service to the Company is very important to the future success of the Company;

 

WHEREAS, the Executive desires to enter into this Agreement to provide the Executive with certain financial protection in the event that his employment terminates under certain conditions following a change in control of the Company; and

 

WHEREAS the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company to enter into this Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:

 

1.             Definitions.

 

(a)           Cause.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean that the Executive has (i) willfully committed an act or omission that materially harms the Company; (ii) been grossly negligent in the performance of the Executive’s duties to the Company; (iii) willfully failed or refused to follow the lawful and proper directives of the Board; (iv) been convicted of, or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere, to a felony; (v) committed an act involving moral turpitude that is or is reasonably expected to be injurious to the Company or its reputation; (vi) committed an act relating to the Executive’s employment or the Company involving, in the good faith judgment of the Board, material fraud or theft; (vii) breached any material provision of this Agreement or any nondisclosure or non-competition agreement between the Executive and the Company, as all of the foregoing may be amended prospectively from time to time; or (viii) breached a material provision of any code of conduct or ethics policy in effect at the Company, as all of the foregoing may be amended prospectively from time to time.

 

(b)           Change in Control.  For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change in Control” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events; provided  that “Change in Control” shall be interpreted in a manner, and limited to the extent necessary, so that it will not cause adverse tax consequences for either party with respect to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and Treasury Regulations 1.409A-3(i)(5), and any successor statute, regulation and guidance thereto:

 

(i)            Ownership.  Any “Person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) becomes the “Beneficial Owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under said Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 50% or more of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding voting securities (excluding for this purpose any such voting securities held by the Company or its Affiliates (as defined in the Company’s 2006 Employee, Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan) or by any employee benefit

 

 

plan of the Company) pursuant to a transaction or a series of related transactions which the Board does not approve; or

 

(ii)           Merger/Sale of Assets.  (A) A merger or consolidation of the Company whether or not approved by the Board, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or the parent of such corporation) at least 50% of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity or parent of such corporation, as the case may be, outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; or (B) the stockholders of the Company approve an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; or

 

(iii)          Change in Board Composition.  A change in the composition of the Board, as a result of which fewer than a majority of the directors are Incumbent Directors.  “Incumbent Directors” shall mean directors who either (A) are directors of the Company as of November 11, 2006, or (B) are elected, or nominated for election, to the Board with the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors at the time of such election or nomination (but shall not include an individual whose election or nomination is in connection with an actual or threatened proxy contest relating to the election of directors to the Company).

 

(c)           Disability.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” shall mean that the Executive (i) is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, or (ii) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under a Company-sponsored group disability plan.  Whether the Executive has a Disability will be determined by a majority of the Board based on evidence provided by one or more physicians selected by the Board and approved by the Executive, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.  In any case, if a disability is determined to trigger the payment of any “deferred compensation” as defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), disability shall be determined in accordance with Section 409A of the Code.

 

(d)           Good Reason.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of one or more of the following without the Executive’s consent: (i) a change in the principal location at which the Executive performs his duties for the Company to a new location that is at least forty (40) miles from the prior location; (ii) a material change in the Executive’s authority, functions, duties or responsibilities as an executive of the Company, which would cause his position with the Company to become of less responsibility, importance or scope than his highest position with the Company at any time from the date of this Agreement to immediately prior to the Change in Control, provided, however, that such material change is not in connection with the termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause or death or Disability and further provided  that it shall not be considered a material change if the

 

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Company becomes a subsidiary of another entity and the Executive continues to hold a position in the subsidiary that is at least as high (in both title and scope of responsibilities) as the highest position he held with the Company at any time from the date of this Agreement to immediately prior to the Change in Control; (iii) a material reduction in the Executive’s annual base salary or (iv) a material reduction in the Executive’s target annual bonus as compared to the target annual bonus set for the previous fiscal year.

 

2.             Term of Agreement.  The term of this Agreement (the “Term”) shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue in effect for two (2) years; provided, however, that commencing on second anniversary of the Effective Date and continuing each anniversary thereafter, the Term shall automatically be extended for one (1) additional year unless, not later than nine (9) months before the conclusion of the Term, the Company or the Executive shall have given notice not to extend the Term; and further provided, however, that if a Change in Control shall have occurred during the Term, the Term shall expire on the last day of the twelfth (12th) month following the month in which such Change in Control occurred.  Notice of termination or termination of this Agreement shall not constitute Cause or Good Reason (both terms as defined above).

 

3.             Termination; Notice; Severance Compensation.

 

(a)           In the event that within a period of two (2) months before or twelve (12) months following the consummation of a Change in Control the Company elects to terminate the Executive’s employment other than for Cause (but not including termination due to the Executive’s Disability), then the Company shall give the Executive no less than sixty (60) days advance notice of such termination (the “Company’s Notice Period”); provided that the Company may elect to require the Executive to cease performing work for the Company so long as the Company continues the Executive’s full salary and benefits during the Company’s Notice Period.

 

(b)           In the event that within a period of two (2) months before or twelve (12) months following the consummation of a Change in Control the Executive elects to terminate his employment for Good Reason, then the Executive shall give the Company no less than thirty (30) days and no more than sixty (60) days advance notice of such termination (the “Executive’s Notice Period”); provided  that the Company may elect to require the Executive to cease performing work for the Company so long as the Company continues the Executive’s full salary and benefits during the Executive’s Notice Period.  In order to effect a termination for Good Reason pursuant to this Agreement, the Executive must notice his intent to terminate for Good Reason not later than ninety (90) days following the occurrence of the Good Reason.

 

(c)           In the event that within a period of two (2) months before or twelve (12) months following the consummation of a Change in Control the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company other than for Cause (but not including termination due to the Executive’s death or Disability), or by the Executive for Good Reason, then, contingent upon the Executive’s execution of a release of claims against the Company in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Release”) the Executive shall be entitled to, in addition to any amounts due to the Executive for services rendered prior to the termination date:

 

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(i)  a lump sum payment from the Company in an amount equal to one and one-half (1.5) times the sum of the Executive’s Annual Salary and the Executive’s target annual bonus for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs (without giving effect to any event or circumstance constituting Good Reason) at one hundred percent (100%) of such target annual bonus, which shall be paid on the sixtieth (60th) day following the Executive’s termination of employment, provided  that the Release is executed and effective by then or the Executive shall forfeit the payment of such amount;

 

(ii)  all outstanding options, restricted stock and other similar rights held by the Executive, which shall become one hundred percent (100%) vested; and

 

(iii)  continuation of medical insurance coverage for the Executive and the Executive’s family subject to and in accordance with Section 4980B of the Code (“COBRA”), and subject to the Executive’s payment of the applicable COBRA coverage premium (“COBRA Coverage Premium”) during the applicable COBRA coverage period (“COBRA Period”); and

 

(iv)  payment to the Executive of a taxable amount on a monthly basis equal to the COBRA Premium for eighteen (18) months from the Separation Date; provided  that the Company shall have no obligation to provide such benefit if the Executive fails to elect COBRA benefits in a timely fashion or if the Executive becomes eligible for medical coverage with another employer; and provided  that if the COBRA Period is otherwise (i.e., for reasons not described in the immediately preceding proviso) earlier terminated under applicable law during the period that the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive the benefit under this subsection (v), the Company will continue to pay to the Executive the same taxable amount it paid on a monthly basis during the COBRA Period each month for the remainder of the relevant period.

 

For purposes of this Agreement, “Annual Salary” shall mean the Executive’s annual base salary then in effect or, if higher, in effect at the time of the Change in Control, excluding reimbursements and amounts attributable to stock options and other non-cash compensation; and the “Severance Compensation” shall mean the compensation set forth in (i), (ii), and (iv) above.

 

(d)           If any of the benefits set forth in this Agreement are deferred compensation as defined in Section 409A of the Code, any termination of employment triggering payment of such benefits must constitute a “separation from service” under Section 409A of the Code before, subject to subsection (e) below, a distribution of such benefits can commence.  For purposes of clarification, this paragraph shall not cause any forfeiture of benefits on the part of the Executive, but shall only act as a delay until such time as a “separation from service” occurs. In addition, the Company Notice Period and the Executive Notice Period shall be interpreted and administered in accordance with Section 409A of the Code and the “separation from service” rules thereunder.  In particular, if a waiver of the Company Notice Period or the Executive Notice Period triggers a “separation from service,” such waiver shall constitute a termination and any amounts due to the Executive over the remaining portion of the applicable notice period shall be deemed additional

 

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severance under Section 3(c)(ii) of this Agreement and paid accordingly.  In addition, any applicable notice or release periods and dates of payment shall be adjusted accordingly.

 

(e)           Notwithstanding any other provision with respect to the timing of payments, if, at the time of the Executive’s termination, the Executive is deemed to be a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Code Section 409A, and any successor statute, regulation and guidance thereto) of the Company, then solely to the extent necessary to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A, any payments to which the Executive may become entitled under this Agreement which are subject to Code Section 409A (and not otherwise exempt from its application) will be withheld until the first (1st) business day of the seventh (7th) month following the termination of the Executive’s employment, at which time the Executive shall be paid an aggregate amount equal to the accumulated, but unpaid, payments otherwise due to the Executive under the terms of this Agreement.

 

(f)            If any payment or benefit the Executive would receive under this Agreement, when combined with any other payment or benefit the Executive receives pursuant to a Change in Control (“Payment”) would (i) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Code Section 280G, and (ii) but for this sentence, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then such Payment shall be either (x) the full amount of such Payment or (y) such less amount as would result in no portion of the Payment being subject to the Excise Tax, whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state, and local employments taxes, income taxes, and the Excise Tax results in the Executive’s receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greater amount of the Payment, notwithstanding that all or some portion of the Payment may be subject to the Excise Tax.  The Company shall, in a manner compliant with Code Section 409A, determine in good faith which payment(s) or benefit(s) to reduce based on what provides the best economic result for the Executive.  The Company shall provide the Executive with sufficient information to support its determination and to allow the Executive to file and pay any required taxes.

 

4.             No Duplication of Compensation.  The Severance Compensation shall replace, and be provided in lieu of, any severance or similar compensation that may be provided to the Executive under any other agreement or arrangement in relation to termination of employment; provided, however, that this prohibition against duplication shall not be construed to otherwise limit the Executive’s rights to payments or benefits provided under any pension plan (as defined in Section 3(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended), deferred compensation, stock, stock option or similar plan sponsored by the Company.  This Agreement supersedes any other agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof which may have been made by either party.

 

5.             No Mitigation.  If the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates following a Change in Control, the Executive is not required to seek other employment or to attempt in any way to reduce any amounts payable to the Executive by the Company pursuant to Section 3 or Section 15.  Except as set forth in Section 4, the amount of any payment or benefit provided for in this Agreement shall not be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive as the result of employment by another employer, by retirement benefits, by offset against any amount claimed to be owed by the Executive to the Company, or otherwise.

 

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6.             Confidentiality, Non-Competition, and Assignment of Inventions.  The Company’s obligations under this Agreement are contingent upon the Executive’s execution of the Company’s Proprietary Information, Inventions, and Competition Agreement (the “Proprietary Information Agreement”).  The parties agree that the obligations set forth in the Proprietary Information Agreement shall survive termination of this Agreement and termination of the Executive’s employment, regardless of the reason for such termination.

 

7.             Enforceability.  If any provision of this Agreement shall be deemed invalid or unenforceable as written, this Agreement shall be construed, to the greatest extent possible, or modified, to the extent allowable by law, in a manner which shall render it valid and enforceable.  No invalidity or unenforceability of any provision contained herein shall affect any other portion of this Agreement.

 

8.             Notices.  Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered as follows with notice deemed given as indicated: (i)  by personal delivery when delivered personally; (ii) by overnight courier upon written verification of receipt; (iii) by telecopy or facsimile transmission upon acknowledgment of receipt of electronic transmission; or (iv) by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, upon verification of receipt.  Notices to the Executive shall be sent to the last known address in the Company’s records or such other address as the Executive may specify in writing.  Notices to the Company shall be sent to the Company’s Chairman of the Board (or if the Chairman of the Board is also the CEO, to the Company’s Lead Director), or to such other Company representative as the Company may specify in writing.

 

9.             Claims for Benefits.  All claims by the Executive for benefits under this Agreement shall be directed to and determined by the Board and shall be in writing.  Any denial by the Board of a claim for benefits under this Agreement shall be delivered to the Executive in writing and shall set forth the specific reasons for the denial and the specific provisions of this Agreement relied upon.  The Board shall afford a reasonable opportunity to the Executive for a review of the decision denying a claim and shall further allow the Executive to appeal to the Board a decision of the Board within sixty (60) days after notification by the Board that the Executive’s claim has been denied.  In no event shall the Board’s claims or appeals determination be given any deference or weight in any subsequent legal proceeding.

 

10.          Modifications and Amendments.  The terms and provisions of this Agreement may be modified or amended only by written agreement executed by the Company and the Executive.  The Company and the Executive agree that they will jointly execute an amendment to modify this Agreement to the extent necessary to comply with or be exempt from the requirements of Code Section 409A, or any successor statute, regulation and guidance thereto; provided  that no such amendment shall increase the total financial obligation of the Company under this Agreement.

 

11.          Waivers and Consents.  The terms and provisions of this Agreement may be waived, or consent for the departure therefrom granted, only by a written document executed by the party entitled to the benefits of such terms or provisions.  No such waiver or consent shall be deemed to be or shall constitute a waiver or consent with respect to any other terms or provisions of this Agreement, whether or not similar.  Each such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the

 

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specific instance and for the purpose for which it was given, and shall not constitute a continuing waiver or consent.

 

12.          Binding Effect; Assignment.  The Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of (a) the heirs, executors and legal representatives of the Executive upon the Executive’s death and (b) any successor of the Company.  Any such successor of the Company will be deemed substituted for the Company under the terms of the Agreement for all purposes.  For this purpose, “successor” means any person, firm, corporation or other business entity which at any time, whether by purchase, merger or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires all or substantially all of the assets or business of the Company.  None of the rights of the Executive to receive any form of compensation payable pursuant to the Agreement may be assigned or transferred except by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  Any other attempted assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of the Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits will be null and void.

 

13.          Governing Law.  This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the conflict of law principles thereof.

 

14.          Jurisdiction and Service of Process.  Any legal action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement shall be brought in the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or of the United States of America for the District of Massachusetts.  By execution and delivery of this Agreement, each of the parties hereto accepts for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, the jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts.

 

15.          Attorneys’ Fees.  The Company shall pay to the Executive all legal fees and expenses incurred by the Executive in disputing in good faith any issue hereunder relating to the termination of the Executive’s employment, in seeking in good faith to obtain or enforce any benefit or right provided by this Agreement.  Such payments shall be made within five (5) business days after delivery of the Executive’s written requests for payment accompanied with such evidence of fees and expenses incurred as the Company reasonably may require.

 

16.          Withholding.  The Company is authorized to withhold, or to cause to be withheld, from any payment or benefit under the Agreement the full amount of any applicable withholding taxes.

 

17.          Tax Consequences.  The Company does not guarantee the tax treatment or tax consequences associated with any payment or benefit arising under this Agreement.

 

18.          Acknowledgment.  The Executive acknowledges that he has had the opportunity to discuss this matter with and obtain advice from his private attorney, has had sufficient time to, and has carefully read and fully understands all the provisions of the Agreement, and is knowingly and voluntarily entering into the Agreement.

 

19.          Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

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20.          Section 409A.  The parties hereto intend that the payments and benefits provided by this Agreement shall comply with or be exempt from the requirements of Code Section 409A and related regulations and Treasury pronouncements, and this Agreement shall be interpreted accordingly.  Each separately identified payment or benefit hereunder shall be deemed to be a separately determinable payment for purposes of Code Section 409A, and each payment to be made in installments shall be deemed a series of separate payments.  If any provision provided herein could result in the imposition of an additional tax under the provisions of Code Section 409A, the Executive and the Company agree that such provision will be reformed to avoid imposition of any such additional tax in the manner that the Executive and the Company mutually agree is appropriate to comply with or be exempt from Code Section 409A.

 

21.          Reimbursements.  To the extent there are any reimbursements of expenses under this Agreement including, without limitation, under Section 15 hereof, payments with respect to such reimbursements shall be made no later than on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the relevant expense is incurred.  The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement during a calendar year may not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year and any such reimbursements may not be exchanged or liquidated for any other benefit or payment.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and delivered this Change in Control Severance Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

	
 
    	
COMPANY:
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
IMMUNOGEN, INC.
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
/s/ Daniel M. Junius
    
	
 
    	
Name:   Daniel M. Junius
    
	
 
    	
Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
EXECUTIVE:
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
/s/ Ellie Harrison
    
	
 
    	
Name:  Ellie Harrison
    

 

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Exhibit A

 

GENERAL RELEASE

 

1.             General Release.  In consideration of the payments and benefits to be made under that certain Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated February 20, 2014, (the “Agreement”), Ellie Harrison (the “Executive”), with the intention of binding the Executive and the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, does hereby release, remise, acquit and forever discharge ImmunoGen, Inc. (the “Company”) and each of its subsidiaries and affiliates (the “Company Affiliated Group”), their present and former officers, directors, executives, agents, attorneys, employees and employee benefits plans (and the fiduciaries thereof), and the successors, predecessors and assigns of each of the foregoing (collectively, the “Company Released Parties”), of and from any and all claims, actions, causes of action, complaints, charges, demands, rights, damages, debts, sums of money, accounts, financial obligations, suits, expenses, attorneys’ fees and liabilities of whatever kind or nature in law, equity or otherwise, whether accrued, absolute, contingent, unliquidated or otherwise and whether now known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected which the Executive, individually or as a member of a class, now has, owns or holds, or has at any time heretofore had, owned or held, against any Company Released Party in any capacity, including, without limitation, any and all claims (i) arising out of or in any way connected with the Executive’s service to any member of the Company Affiliated Group (or the predecessors thereof) in any capacity, or the termination of such service in any such capacity, (ii) for severance or vacation benefits, unpaid wages, salary or incentive payments, (iii) for breach of contract, wrongful discharge, impairment of economic opportunity, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional harm or other tort and (iv) for any violation of applicable state and local labor and employment laws (including, without limitation, all laws concerning unlawful and unfair labor and employment practices), any and all claims based on the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), any and all claims arising under the civil rights laws of any federal, state or local jurisdiction, including, without limitation, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII”), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”), the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Act, and any and all claims under any whistleblower laws or whistleblower provisions of other laws.

 

2.             No Admissions.  The Executive acknowledges and agrees that this General Release is not to be construed in any way as an admission of any liability whatsoever by any Company Released Party, any such liability being expressly denied.

 

3.             Application to all Forms of Relief.  This General Release applies to any relief no matter how called, including, without limitation, wages, back pay, front pay, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive damages for pain or suffering, costs and attorney’s fees and expenses.

 

4.             Specific Waiver.  The Executive specifically acknowledges that his acceptance of the terms of this General Release is, among other things, a specific waiver of his rights, claims and causes of action under Title VII, ADEA, ADA, the Massachusetts Fair Employment

 

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Practices Act and any state or local law or regulation in respect of discrimination of any kind; provided, however, that nothing herein shall be deemed, nor does anything herein purport, to be a waiver of any right or claim or cause of action which by law the Executive is not permitted to waive.

 

5.             No Complaints or Other Claims.  The Executive acknowledges and agrees that he has not, with respect to any transaction or state of facts existing prior to the date hereof, filed any complaints, charges or lawsuits against any Company Released Party with any governmental agency, court or tribunal.  This General Release does not: (i) prohibit or restrict Executive from communicating, providing relevant information to or otherwise cooperating with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other governmental authority with responsibility for the administration of fair employment practices laws regarding a possible violation of such laws or responding to any inquiry from such authority, including an inquiry about the existence of this General Release or its underlying facts, or (ii) require Executive to notify the Company of such communications or inquiry.

 

6.             Conditions of General Release.

 

(a)   Terms and Conditions.  From and after the date of termination of employment, the Executive shall abide by all the terms and conditions of this General Release and the terms and any conditions set forth in any employment or confidentiality agreements signed by the Executive, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(b)     Confidentiality.  The Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company or as may otherwise be required by law or any legal process, or as is necessary in connection with any adversarial proceeding against any member of the Company Affiliated Group (in which case the Executive shall cooperate with the Company in obtaining a protective order at the Company’s expense against disclosure by a court of competent jurisdiction), communicate, to anyone other than the Company and those designated by the Company or on behalf of the Company in the furtherance of its business, any trade secrets, confidential information, knowledge or data relating to any member of the Company Affiliated Group, obtained by the Executive during the Executive’s employment by the Company that is not generally available public knowledge (other than acts by the Executive in violation of this General Release).  This confidentiality obligation is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other contractual, statutory and common law confidentiality obligation of the Executive to the Company.

 

(c)   Return of Company Material.  The Executive represents that he has returned to the Company all Company Material (as defined below).  For purposes of this Section 6(c), “Company Material” means any documents, files and other property and information of any kind belonging or relating to (i) any member of the Company Affiliated Group, (ii) the current and former suppliers, creditors, directors, officers, employees, agents and customers of any of them or (iii) the businesses, products, services and operations (including without limitation, business, financial and accounting practices) of any of them, in each case whether tangible or intangible (including, without limitation, credit cards, building and office access cards, keys, computer equipment, cellular telephones, pagers, electronic devices, hardware, manuals, files, documents,

 

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records, software, customer data, research, financial data and information, memoranda, surveys, correspondence, statistics and payroll and other employee data, and any copies, compilations, extracts, excerpts, summaries and other notes thereof or relating thereto), excluding only information (x) that is generally available public knowledge or (y) that relates to the Executive’s compensation or Executive benefits.

 

(d)   Cooperation.  Following the date of termination of employment, the Executive shall reasonably cooperate with the Company upon reasonable request of the Board of Directors and be reasonably available to the Company with respect to matters arising out of the Executive’s services to the Company Affiliated Group.

 

(e)   Nondisparagement.  The Executive acknowledges and agrees that he shall not make any statements that are professionally or personally disparaging about or adverse to the interests of the Company or any Company Released Party, including, but not limited to, any statements that disparage in any way whatsoever the Company’s products, services, businesses, finances, financial condition, capabilities or other characteristics.

 

(f)    Ownership of Inventions, Non-Disclosure, Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation.  The Executive expressly acknowledges and agrees that the Proprietary Information, Inventions, and Competition Agreement executed by him is incorporated herein by reference, and shall survive the execution of this General Release in full force and effect pursuant to its terms.

 

(g)   No Representation.  The Executive acknowledges that, other than as set forth in this General Release and the Agreement, (i) no promises have been made to him and (ii) in signing this General Release the Executive is not relying upon any statement or representation made by or on behalf of any Company Released Party and each or any of them concerning the merits of any claims or the nature, amount, extent or duration of any damages relating to any claims or the amount of any money, benefits, or compensation due the Executive or claimed by the Executive, or concerning the General Release or concerning any other thing or matter.

 

(h)   Injunctive Relief.  In the event of a breach or threatened breach by the Executive of this Section 6, the Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to injunctive relief in a court of appropriate jurisdiction to remedy any such breach or threatened breach, the Executive acknowledging that damages would be inadequate or insufficient.

 

7.             Voluntariness.  The Executive agrees that he is relying solely upon his own judgment; that the Executive is over eighteen years of age and is legally competent to sign this General Release; that the Executive is signing this General Release of his own free will; that the Executive has read and understood the General Release before signing it; and that the Executive is signing this General Release in exchange for consideration that he believes is satisfactory and adequate.

 

8.             Legal Counsel.  The Executive acknowledges that he has been informed of the right to consult with legal counsel and has been encouraged to do so.

 

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9.             Complete Agreement/Severability.  Other than the agreements and/or obligations specifically referenced as surviving herein, this General Release constitutes the complete and final agreement between the parties and supersedes and replaces all prior or contemporaneous agreements, negotiations, or discussions relating to the subject matter of this General Release.  All provisions and portions of this General Release are severable.  If any provision or portion of this General Release or the application of any provision or portion of the General Release shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable to any extent or for any reason, all other provisions and portions of this General Release shall remain in full force and shall continue to be enforceable to the fullest and greatest extent permitted by law.

 

10.          Acceptance.  The Executive acknowledges that he has been given a period of twenty-one (21) days within which to consider this General Release, unless applicable law requires a longer period, in which case the Executive shall be advised of such longer period and such longer period shall apply.  The Executive may accept this General Release at any time within this period of time by signing the General Release and returning it to the Company.

 

11.          Revocability.  This General Release shall not become effective or enforceable until seven (7) calendar days after the Executive signs it.  The Executive may revoke his acceptance of this General Release at any time within that seven (7) calendar day period by sending written notice to the Company.  Such notice must be received by the Company within the seven (7) calendar day period in order to be effective and, if so received, would void this General Release for all purposes.

 

12.          Governing Law.  Except for issues or matters as to which federal law is applicable, this General Release shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts without giving effect to the conflicts of law principles thereof.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has executed this General Release as of the date last set forth below.

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

	
 
    	
 
    	
Date:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Name:   Ellie Harrison
    	
 
    	
 
    

 

12Exhibit 10.39

 

Ingredion Incorporated

Executive Severance Agreement

 

Agreement, made this          day of                         , 2014, by and between Ingredion Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and                                      (the “Executive”).

 

WHEREAS, the Executive is a key employee of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company as defined in Section 1.1(b) hereof (“Subsidiary”), and

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) considers the maintenance of a sound management to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and recognizes that the possibility of a change in control raises uncertainty and questions among key employees and may result in the departure or distraction of such key employees to the detriment of the Company and its stockholders; and

 

WHEREAS, the Board wishes to assure that it will have the continued dedication of the Executive and the availability of the Executive’s advice and counsel notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a bid to take over control of the Company, and to induce the Executive to remain in the employ of the Company or a Subsidiary; and

 

WHEREAS, the Executive is willing to continue to serve the Company and its Subsidiaries taking into account the provisions of this Agreement;

 

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

 

 

Article 1.  Change in Control

 

1.1                         Benefits shall be provided under Article 3 hereof only in the event there shall have occurred a “Change in Control”, as such term is defined below, and the Executive’s employment by the Company and its Subsidiaries shall thereafter have terminated in accordance with Article 2 below within the period beginning on the date of the “Change in Control” and ending on the second anniversary of the date of the “Change in Control” (the “Protection Period”). If any Protection Period terminates without the Executive’s employment having terminated, any subsequent “Change in Control” shall give rise to a new Protection Period. No benefits shall be paid under Article 3 of this Agreement if the Executive’s employment terminates outside of a Protection Period.

 

(a) “Change in Control” shall mean:

 

(1)              The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (a “Person”), including any “person” within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, of beneficial ownership within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, of 20% or more of either (i) the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the “Outstanding Common Stock”) or (ii) the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Voting Securities”); excluding, however, the following: (A) any acquisition directly from the Company (excluding any acquisition resulting from the exercise of an exercise, conversion or exchange privilege unless the security being so exercised, converted or exchanged was acquired directly from the Company), (B) any acquisition by the Company, (C) any acquisition by an employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company or (D) any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to a transaction which complies with clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of subsection (3) of this Section 1.1(a); provided further, that for purposes of clause (B), if any Person (other than the Company or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company) shall become the beneficial owner of 20% or more of the Outstanding Common Stock or 20% or more of the Outstanding Voting Securities by reason of an acquisition by the Company, and such Person shall, after such acquisition by the Company, become the beneficial owner of any additional shares of the Outstanding Common Stock or any additional Outstanding Voting Securities and such beneficial ownership is publicly announced, such additional beneficial ownership shall constitute a Change in Control;

 

(2)              Individuals who, as of the beginning of any consecutive two-year period constitute the Board of Directors (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of such Board; provided that any individual who subsequently becomes a director of the Company and whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, was approved by the vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be deemed a member of the Incumbent Board; and provided further, that any individual who was initially elected as a director of the Company as a result of an actual or threatened solicitation by a Person 

 

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other than the Board for the purpose of opposing a solicitation by any other Person with respect to the election or removal of directors, or any other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any Person other than the Board shall not be deemed a member of the Incumbent Board;

 

(3)              The consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a “Corporate Transaction”); excluding, however, a Corporate Transaction pursuant to which (i) all or substantially all of the individuals or entities who are the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Common Stock and the Outstanding Voting Securities immediately prior to such Corporate Transaction will beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of, respectively, the outstanding shares of common stock, and the combined voting power of the outstanding securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the corporation resulting from such Corporate Transaction (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or indirectly) in substantially the same proportions relative to each other as their ownership, immediately prior to such Corporate Transaction, of the Outstanding Common Stock and the Outstanding Voting Securities, as the case may be, (ii)  no Person (other than: the Company; any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company; the corporation resulting from such Corporate Transaction; and any Person which beneficially owned, immediately prior to such Corporate Transaction, directly or indirectly, 15% or more of the Outstanding Common Stock or the Outstanding Voting Securities, as the case may be) will beneficially own, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of, respectively, the outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Corporate Transaction or the combined voting power of the outstanding securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and (iii) individuals who were members of the Incumbent Board will constitute at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such Corporate Transaction; or

 

(4)              The consummation of a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

 

(b)                           For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Subsidiary” shall mean any corporation in which the Company possesses directly or indirectly fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock.

 

(c)                            Immediately prior to a Change in Control, the Company shall deliver to the Ingredion Incorporated Executive Benefit Trust, or a comparable “rabbi trust”, to be held for the benefit of the Executive thereunder, cash or marketable securities with a fair market value equal to the anticipated payments and benefits to be provided to the Executive hereunder, as determined by the Company in good faith, 

 

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subject to approval by the Executive, which approval shall not unreasonably be withheld.

 

Article 2.  Termination Following Change in Control

 

2.1                         The Executive shall be entitled to the benefits provided in Article 3 hereof upon any termination of his employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries within a Protection Period, except a termination of employment because of his death, because of a “Disability,” by the Company for “Cause,” or by the Executive other than for “Good Reason.”

 

(a)                           Disability.  The Executive’s employment shall be deemed to have terminated because of a “Disability” on the date on which the Executive becomes eligible to receive long-term disability benefits under the Company’s Master Welfare and Cafeteria Plan (the “Cafeteria Plan”) (or any other plan), or a similar long-term disability plan of a Subsidiary, or a successor to the Cafeteria Plan or to any such similar plan which is applicable to the Executive. If the Executive is not covered for long-term disability benefits by the Cafeteria Plan or a similar or successor long-term disability plan, the Executive shall be deemed to have terminated because of a “Disability” on the date on which he would have become eligible to receive long-term disability benefits if he were covered for long-term disability benefits by the Company’s Cafeteria Plan.

 

(b)                           Cause.  Termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company or a Subsidiary for “Cause” shall mean termination by reason of (A) the Executive’s willful engagement in conduct which involves dishonesty or moral turpitude which either (1) results in substantial personal enrichment of the Executive at the expense of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or (2) is demonstrably and materially injurious to the financial condition or reputation of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (B) the Executive’s willful violation of the provisions of the confidentiality or non-competition agreement entered into between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and the Executive or (C) the commission by the Executive of a felony. An act or omission shall be deemed “willful” only if done, or omitted to be done, in bad faith and without reasonable belief that it was in the best interest of the Company and its Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a written notice of termination from the Compensation and Nominating Committee of the Board or any successor thereto (the “Committee”) after reasonable notice to the Executive and an opportunity for the Executive, together with his counsel, to be heard before the Committee, finding that, in the good faith opinion of such Committee, the Executive was guilty of conduct set forth above in clause (A) or (B) of the first sentence of this subsection (b) and specifying the particulars in detail.

 

(c)                            Without Cause.  The Company or a Subsidiary may terminate the employment of the Executive without Cause during a Protection Period only by giving the Executive written notice of termination to that effect. In that event, the Executive’s employment shall terminate on the last day of the month in which such notice is given (or such later date as may be specified in such notice).

 

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(d)                           Good Reason.  Termination of employment by the Executive for “Good Reason” shall mean termination within a Protection Period:

 

(i)                  If there has occurred a reduction by the Company or a Subsidiary in the Executive’s base salary in effect immediately before the beginning of the Protection Period or as increased from time to time thereafter;

 

(ii)               If the Company or a Subsidiary, without the Executive’s written consent, has required the Executive to be relocated anywhere in excess of thirty-five (35) miles from his office location immediately before the beginning of the Protection Period, except for required travel on the business of the Company or a Subsidiary to an extent substantially consistent with the Executive’s business travel obligations immediately before the beginning of the Protection Period;

 

(iii)            If there has occurred a failure by the Company or a Subsidiary to maintain plans providing benefits substantially the same as those provided by any benefit or compensation plan, retirement or pension plan, stock option plan, life insurance plan, health and accident plan or disability plan in which the Executive is participating immediately before the beginning of the Protection Period, or if the Company or a Subsidiary has taken any action which would adversely affect the Executive’s participation in or materially reduce the Executive’s benefits under any of such plans or deprive the Executive of any material fringe benefit enjoyed by the Executive immediately before the beginning of the Protection Period, or if the Company or a Subsidiary has failed to provide the Executive with the number of paid vacation days to which he would be entitled in accordance with the applicable vacation policy of the Company or Subsidiary as in effect immediately before the beginning of the Protection Period;

 

(iv)           If the Company or a Subsidiary has reduced in any manner which the Executive reasonably considers important the Executive’s title, job authorities or responsibilities immediately before the beginning of the Protection Period;

 

(v)              If the Company has failed to obtain the assumption of the obligations contained in this Agreement by any successor as contemplated in Section 9.2 hereof; or

 

(vi)           If there occurs any purported termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company or a Subsidiary which is not effected pursuant to a written notice of termination as described in subsection (ii) or (iii) above; and for purposes of this Agreement, no such purported termination shall be effective.

 

The Executive shall exercise his right to terminate his employment for Good Reason by giving the Company a written notice of termination specifying in reasonable detail the circumstances constituting such Good Reason. However, the Company shall have thirty (30) days to “cure” such that the circumstances constituting such Good Reason are eliminated. The Executive’s employment shall 

 

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terminate at the end of such thirty (30)-day period only if the Company has failed to cure such circumstances constituting the Good Reason.

 

A termination of employment by the Executive within a Protection Period shall be for Good Reason if one of the occurrences specified in this subsection (d) shall have occurred (and subject to the cure provision of the immediately preceding paragraph), notwithstanding that the Executive may have other reasons for terminating employment, including employment by another employer which the Executive desires to accept.

 

(e)                            Transfers; Sale of Subsidiary.  A transfer of employment from the Company to a Subsidiary, from a Subsidiary to the Company, or between Subsidiaries shall not be considered a termination of employment for purposes of this Agreement. If the Company’s ownership of a corporation is reduced so as to cause such corporation to cease to be a “Subsidiary” as defined in Section 1.1(b) of this Agreement and the Executive continues in employment with such corporation, the Executive shall not be considered to have terminated employment for purposes of this Agreement and the Executive shall have no right to any benefits pursuant to Article 3 unless (a) a Change in Control occurred prior to such reduction in ownership and (b) the Executive’s employment terminates within the Protection Period beginning on the date of such Change in Control under circumstances that would have entitled the Executive to benefits if such corporation were still a Subsidiary.

 

Article 3.  Benefits Upon Termination Within Protection Period

 

3.1                         If, within a Protection Period, the Executive’s employment by the Company or a Subsidiary shall terminate other than because of his death, because of a Disability, by the Company for Cause, or by the Executive other than for Good Reason, if the Executive signs a general release in a form acceptable to the Company that releases the Company from any and all claims that the Executive may have, and the Executive affirmatively agrees not to violate the provisions of Article 6 (a “General Release”), the Executive shall be entitled to the benefits provided for below:

 

(a)                           The Company or a Subsidiary shall pay to the Executive through the date of the Executive’s termination of employment base salary at the rate then in effect, together with salary in lieu of vacation accrued and unused to the date on which Executive’s employment terminates, and all other benefits due to Executive through the date of Executive’s termination of employment, in accordance with the standard payroll and other practices of the Company or Subsidiary.

 

(b)                           The Company or Subsidiary shall also pay to the Executive the amount equal to the target annual bonus established for the Executive under the Company’s Annual Incentive Program or a similar bonus plan of a Subsidiary (or a successor to any such bonus plan) for the fiscal year in which the Executive’s termination of employment occurs, reduced pro rata for that portion of the fiscal year not completed as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment.

 

(c)                            The Company or a Subsidiary shall pay the Executive as a severance payment an amount equal to three (3) times the sum of (A) his highest base salary in effect during any period of twelve (12) consecutive months within the thirty-six (36) 

 

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months immediately preceding his date of termination of employment; and (B) the target annual bonus established for the Executive under the Company’s Annual Incentive Program or a similar bonus plan of a Subsidiary (or a successor to any such bonus plan) for the fiscal year in which the Executive’s termination of employment occurs. However, if the Executive is at least sixty-two (62) years of age as of the date of his termination of employment, the Committee shall have the discretion to alternatively provide the Executive a severance payment prorated for the number of full months until the Executive attains age sixty-five (65).

 

(d)                           Subject to (i) and (ii) below, the Company or a Subsidiary shall provide, at the exact same cost as to the Executive, and at the same coverage level, as in effect as of the Executive’s date of termination of employment, a continuation of the Executive’s (and, where applicable, the Executive’s eligible dependents’) welfare benefit coverage, including, if provided to the Executive by the Executive’s employer, health insurance, dental insurance, group term life insurance and long-term disability insurance (but excluding any flexible spending accounts) for thirty-six (36) months from his date of termination of employment (the “Benefit Period”).  However, if the Executive is at least sixty-two (62) years of age as of the date of his termination of employment, the Committee shall have the discretion to alternatively provide the Executive’s (and the Executive’s eligible dependents’) health insurance coverage as described under this subsection (d) for the number of full months until the Executive attains age sixty-five (65).  Any legally required health insurance benefit continuation period applicable to the Executive shall begin at the end of this thirty-six (36) or lesser month benefit continuation period.  If the Company is not able to provide under its welfare benefit plans for employees all or any portion of the welfare benefit coverage required to be provided to the Executive pursuant to this Section 3.1(d), the Company shall provide such coverage through alternative insurance coverage, at the exact same cost as to the Executive, and at the same level of benefits to the Executive, as in effect as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment.

 

(i)                  If the Executive becomes covered under the health insurance, dental insurance, group term life insurance or long-term disability insurance coverage of a subsequent employer which does not contain any exclusion or limitation with respect to any preexisting condition of the Executive or the Executive’s eligible dependents, the Company’s obligation to provide health insurance, dental insurance, group term life insurance or long-term disability insurance coverage pursuant to this Section 3.1(d), whichever is applicable, shall be discontinued prior to the end of the thirty-six (36) or lesser month continuation period. For purposes of enforcing this offset provision, the Executive shall have a duty to inform the Company as to the terms and conditions of any subsequent employment and the corresponding benefits earned from such employment. The Executive shall provide, or cause to provide, to the Company in writing correct, complete, and timely information concerning the same.

 

(ii)               If, as of the Executive’s date of termination of employment, the provision to the Executive of the health insurance, dental insurance, group term life insurance or long-term disability insurance coverage described in this Section 

 

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3.1(d) would either: (1) violate the terms of the Company’s health insurance, dental insurance, group term life insurance or long-term disability insurance plan (or any other related insurance policies), (2) violate any requirements of applicable law relating to the health insurance, dental insurance, group term life insurance or long-term disability insurance coverage, or (3) cause the Executive to be subject to the excise tax under IRC 409A, or any comparable tax under applicable law, then the Company, in its sole discretion, may elect to pay the Executive, in lieu of the health insurance, dental insurance, group term life insurance or long-term disability insurance coverage, described under this Section 3.1(d), whichever is applicable, cash payments equal to the total monthly premiums (or in the case of a self-funded health insurance plan, the cost of continuation coverage) that would have been paid by the Company for the Executive under the health insurance, dental insurance, group term life insurance or long-term disability insurance plan from the date of termination through the thirty-six (36) or lesser months following such date.

 

In the event that any health insurance, dental insurance, group term life insurance or long-term disability insurance coverage provided under this Section 3.1(d) is subject to federal, state, or local income or employment taxes (other than any such taxes which were applicable to the same extent to the Executive’s insurance coverage prior to the Executive’s termination of employment) or IRC Section 409A excise tax, or any comparable tax under applicable law, or in the event that cash payments are made in lieu of all or a part of such insurance coverage, the Company shall provide the Executive with an additional payment in the amount necessary such that after payment by the Executive of all such taxes (calculated after assuming the Executive pays such taxes for the year in which the payment or benefit occurs at the highest marginal tax rate applicable), including any taxes imposed on the additional payments, the Executive effectively received coverage on a tax-free basis (other than any such taxes which were applicable to the same extent to the Executive’s insurance coverage prior to the Executive’s termination of employment) or retains a cash amount equal to the cash payments in lieu of insurance coverage provided pursuant to this Section 3.1(d), reduced by any such taxes which are applicable to the Executive’s insurance coverage same extent as prior to the Executive’s termination of employment.

 

(e)                            The Company shall provide the Executive with three (3) additional years of service credit and three (3) additional years of employer contributions under the his employer’s Pension Plan for Salaried Employees or any successor plan.  However, if the Executive is at least sixty-two (62) years of age as of the date of his or her termination of employment, the Company shall provide the Executive with a pro rata portion of three (3) additional years of service credit and three (3) additional years of employer contributions, based on the number of full months until the Executive attains age sixty-five (65).  If the Company is prohibited from providing all or any portion of such three (3) additional years of service credit and three (3) additional years of employer contributions under his employer’s Pension Plan for Salaried Employees or any successor plan, the Company shall pay to the Executive an amount equal to the value of the additional years of service credit and additional years of employer contributions which cannot be provided under his employer’s Pension Plan for Salaried Employees or any successor plan.

 

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(f)                             In addition, if the Executive is a participant in a health insurance plan of his employer that provides post-retirement benefits as of the Executive’s date of termination of employment, the Executive shall be immediately eligible for such benefits, and the Executive and the Executive’s spouse shall remain eligible for such benefits for their lifetimes.  If the Company is not able to provide under a health insurance plan of his employer or any successor plan the health insurance coverage required to be provided to the Executive and the Executive’s spouse pursuant to this Section 3.1(f), the Company shall provide such coverage through alternative insurance coverage.

 

(g)                            The Company shall provide the Executive with executive-level outplacement services for a period of one (1) year from the date of the Executive’s termination of employment. Such outplacement services shall be provided through an outplacement firm that is mutually agreed upon by the parties.

 

(h)                           The Company shall (i) pay the Executive a lump sum cash amount equivalent to the same level of personal allowances (such as club dues and automobile expenses) for the period of three (3) months, as the Executive received immediately prior to his termination of employment, and (ii) continue to pay the lease payments on the vehicle provided to the Executive by the Company for a period of three (3) months or, if less, the remainder of the lease period in effect as of the Executive’s date of termination of employment.  The Executive shall be entitled to the continued use of such vehicle during such period and to purchase the vehicle at the end of such period on the terms provided in the applicable lease agreement.

 

(i)                               All other rights and benefits that the Executive is vested in, pursuant to other plans and programs of the Company.

 

The Executive shall be entitled to all payments and benefits provided for by or pursuant to this Section 3.1 whether or not he seeks or obtains other employment, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Section 3.1.

 

Article 4.  Benefits Upon Termination Outside of Protection Period

 

4.1                         If, outside of a Protection Period, the Executive’s employment by the Company or a Subsidiary shall be terminated by the Company without Cause, if the Executive signs a General Release, the Executive shall be entitled to the benefits provided for below:

 

(a)                           The Company or a Subsidiary shall pay to the Executive through the date of the Executive’s termination of employment base salary at the rate then in effect, together with salary in lieu of vacation accrued and unused to the date on which Executive’s employment terminates, and all other benefits due to Executive through the date of Executive’s termination of employment, in accordance with the standard payroll and other practices of the Company or Subsidiary.

 

(b)                           The Company or Subsidiary shall also pay to the Executive as a severance payment an amount equal to one (1) times his base salary in effect on the date of his date of termination of employment.

 

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Article 5.  Benefits Payment Schedule

 

5.1                         Payment Schedule. Payments due to the Executive pursuant to Article 3 or Article 4 shall be paid as follows:

 

(a)                           If the Executive is not a “Specified Employee” (as that term is defined and determined under IRC Section 409A) or if the Executive is a Specified Employee, then only with respect to payments provided in Section 3.1 or 4.1 that are not deferred compensation subject to IRC Section 409A, as soon as administratively practicable, but in no event later than March 15 of the calendar year after the calendar year of the Executive’s date of Separation from Service (as defined under IRC Section 409A); and

 

(b)                           If the Executive is a Specified Employee, for payments that are deferred compensation subject to IRC Section 409A, payments shall be made or commence on the first day of the seventh month following the Executive’s date of Separation from Service.

 

Notwithstanding the above, the Company’s obligation to pay severance amounts due to the Executive pursuant to Article 3 or Article 4, to the extent not already paid, shall cease immediately and such payments will be forfeited, if the Executive violates any condition described in Sections 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 or 6.4, after his termination of employment. To the extent already paid, should the Executive violate any condition described in Sections 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 or 6.4, after his termination of employment, the severance amounts provided hereunder shall be repaid in their entirety by the Executive to the Company, and all rights to such payments shall be forfeited.

 

Article 6.  Restrictive Covenants

 

6.1                         Confidentiality.  The Company has advised the Executive and the Executive acknowledges that it is the policy of the Company to maintain as secret and confidential all Protected Information (as defined below), and that Protected Information has been and will be developed at substantial cost and effort to the Company. The Executive shall not at any time, directly or indirectly, divulge, furnish or make accessible to any person, firm, corporation, association, or other entity (otherwise than as may be required in the regular course of Executive’s employment), nor use in any manner, either during the Executive’s employment period or after the termination, for any reason, any Protected Information, or cause any such information of the Company or its Subsidiaries to enter the public domain. For purposes of this Agreement, “Protected Information” means trade secrets, confidential and proprietary business information of the Company or its Subsidiaries, and any other information of the Company, including but not limited to, software, records, manuals, books, forms, documents, notes, letters, reports, data, tables, compositions, articles, devices, apparatus, customer lists (including potential customers), sources of supply, processes, plans, materials, pricing information, internal memoranda, marketing plans, internal policies, and products and services which may be developed from time to time by the Company, its Subsidiaries and its agents or employees, including the Executive; provided, however that information that is in the public domain (other than as a result of a breach of this Agreement), approved for release by the Company or lawfully obtained from third parties who are not bound by a confidentiality agreement with the Company, is not Protected Information.

 

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6.2                         Nonsolicitation.  During the term of this Agreement and for a period after the Executive’s date of termination of employment equal to (i) thirty-six (36) months if the Executive’s employment by the Company or a Subsidiary is terminated within a Protection Period or (ii) twelve (12) months if the Executive’s employment by the Company or a Subsidiary is terminated outside of a Protection Period, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, other than on behalf of the Company or its Subsidiaries:

 

(A)                               Induce or assist in the inducement of any individual away from the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ employ or from the faithful discharge of such individual’s contractual and fiduciary obligations to serve the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ interests with undivided loyalty; or

 

(B)                               Induce or assist in the inducement of any individual or entity that provides services to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to reduce any such services provided to, or to terminate their relationship with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

6.3                         Noncompetition.  The Executive expressly acknowledges that the Company and its Subsidiaries market and sell products globally, and given the Executive’s substantial experience and expertise in the industry including his significant exposure, access to, and participation in the development of the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ strategy, marketing, intellectual property and confidential and proprietary information, his business affiliation with any individual or entity that sells or develops products similar to, or that may serve as a substitute for, the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ products, would cause substantial and irreparable harm to the Company’s, and/or its Subsidiaries’ business.  Accordingly, the Executive agrees that during his employment with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and for a period after the termination of his employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries equal to (i) thirty-six (36) months if the Executive’s employment by the Company or a Subsidiary is terminated within a Protection Period or (ii) twelve (12) months if the Executive’s employment by the Company or a Subsidiary is terminated outside of a Protection Period, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, other than on behalf of the Company or its Subsidiaries, participate or become involved as an owner, partner, member, director, officer, employee, or consultant, or otherwise enter into any business relationship, with any individual or entity anywhere in the world that develops, produces, manufactures, sells, or distributes starch, corn, rice, potato, oils, sweeteners, starches or other products produced by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or that could be used as a substitute for such products including, but not limited to, Tapioca, Manioc, Yucca or Potato starches; Dextrose, Stevia-based or other high intensity sweeteners, Glucose, Polyols, HFCS, High Meltose syrup, texturants, and Maltodextrin sweeteners; Prebiotics; Omega-3; seed development, emulsifiers, encapsulants, non-synthetic green products, Plant derived calcium and minerals; Inulin fibers; Resins used in adhesives and fragrances; Corn oil; Gluten protein; and Caramel Color, and specifically including but not limited to the following entities that manufacture such or similar products:  ADM, Cargill, Bunge, Roquette, Penford, Staley, Tate & Lyle, and Avebe.

 

6.4                         Ownership.  The Executive agrees that all inventions, copyrightable material, business and/or technical information, marketing plans, customer lists, and trade secrets which arise out of the performance of this Agreement are the property of the Company.

 

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6.5                         Injunctive Relief.   The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the covenants contained in this Article 6 are reasonable in scope and duration, and are necessary to protect the Company’s, and its Subsidiaries’ legitimate business interests.  Without limiting the rights of the Company and/or its Subsidiaries to pursue any other legal and/or equitable remedies available to them for any breach by the Executive of the covenants contained in this Article 6, the Executive acknowledges that a breach of those covenants would cause a loss to the Company and/or its Subsidiaries for which it could not reasonably or adequately be compensated by damages in an action at law, that remedies other than injunctive relief could not fully compensate the Company and/or its Subsidiaries for a breach of those covenants and that, accordingly, the Company and/or its Subsidiaries shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief to prevent any breach or continuing breaches of the Executive’s covenants as set forth in this Article 6.  It is the intention of the parties that if, in any action before any court empowered to enforce such covenants, any term, restriction, covenant, or promise is found to be unenforceable, then such term, restriction, covenant, or promise shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to make it enforceable by such court.

 

Article 7.  No Other Severance Benefits; Right to Other Plan Benefits.

 

The Executive hereby covenants and agrees that all the amounts he may be entitled to in the event of termination of the Executive’s employment under circumstances entitling the Executive to benefits hereunder, shall be offset by any and all other amounts due to him from the Company or any Subsidiary for dismissal without cause, including, without limitation, any severance payments due in accordance with any applicable statute or statutes. Thus, any amounts that are paid to the Executive as a consequence of the change in control of the Company are not cumulative with other severance payments due to the Executive and shall be reduced by any local termination payments that may be due to him from the Company or any Subsidiary.  The Executive shall not be entitled to any other severance benefits except those provided by or pursuant to this Agreement, and the Executive hereby waives any claim against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates for any additional severance benefits to which he might otherwise be entitled, including under any plan, program, policy or arrangement maintained by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates.  Except as provided in this Article, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as limiting in any way any rights or benefits that the Executive may have pursuant to the terms of any other plan, program, policy or arrangement maintained by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates.

 

Article 8.  Termination of Employment Agreements.

 

Any and all Employment Agreements entered into between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and the Executive prior to the date of this Agreement are hereby terminated, except to the extent not permitted by applicable law.

 

Article 9.  Termination and Amendment; Successors; Binding Agreement.

 

9.1                         This Agreement shall terminate on the close of business on the date preceding the one-year anniversary of the date of this Agreement; provided, however, that commencing on the annual anniversary of the date of this Agreement and each anniversary of the date of this Agreement thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall automatically be extended for one additional year unless at least six (6) months prior to such anniversary date, the Company or the Executive shall have given notice to the other party, in accordance with Article 10, that this Agreement shall not be extended. This Agreement may be amended only by an instrument in writing signed by the Company and the Executive. The Company expressly acknowledges that, 

 

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during the term of this Agreement, the Executive shall have a binding and irrevocable right to the benefits set forth hereunder in the event of his termination of employment during a Protection Period to the extent provided in Section 2.1. Any purported amendment or termination of this Agreement by the Company, other than pursuant to the terms of this Section 9.1, shall be ineffective, and the Executive shall not lose any right hereunder by failing to contest such a purported amendment or termination.

 

9.2                         The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company or to any subsidiary that employs the Executive, to expressly assume and agree to honor this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to so honor 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 violation of this Agreement and shall entitle the Executive to benefits from the Company or such successor in the same amount and on the same terms as the Executive would be entitled hereunder if he terminated his employment for Good Reason, except that for purposes of implementing the foregoing, the date on which any such succession becomes effective shall be deemed the date of termination of employment. As used in this Section 9.2, “Company” shall mean the Company hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which executes and delivers the agreement provided for in this Section 9.2 or which otherwise becomes bound by all the terms and provisions of this Agreement by operation of law. The Company shall promptly notify the Executive of any succession by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all the business and/or assets of the Company and shall state whether or not the successor has executed the agreement required by this Section 9.2 and, if so, shall make a copy of such agreement available to the Executive.

 

9.3                         This Agreement and all rights of the Executive hereunder shall inure to the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, the Executive and the Executive’s legal representatives. If the Executive should die while any amounts remain payable to him hereunder, all such amounts shall be paid to his designated beneficiary or, if there be no such beneficiary, to his estate.

 

9.4                         The Company expressly acknowledges and agrees that the Executive shall have a contractual right to the benefits provided hereunder, and the Company expressly waives any ability, if possible, to deny liability for any breach of its contractual commitment hereunder upon the grounds of lack of consideration, accord and satisfaction or any other defense. If any dispute arises after a Change in Control as to whether the Executive is entitled to benefits under this Agreement, there shall be a presumption that the Executive is entitled to such benefits and the burden of proving otherwise shall be on the Company.

 

9.5                         The Company’s obligation to provide the benefits set forth in this Agreement shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, or other right which the Company or any Subsidiary may have against the Executive or anyone else, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement. All amounts payable by the Company hereunder shall be paid without notice or demand. Each and every payment made hereunder by the Company or any Subsidiary shall be final, and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary will seek to recover all or any portion of such payment from the Executive or from whomsoever may be entitled thereto, for any reason whatsoever.

 

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Article 10.  Notice.

 

All notices of termination and other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by hand or mailed by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, addressed as follows:

 

If to the Executive:

 

 

 

If to the Company:

 

Ingredion Incorporated

5 Westbrook Corporate Center

Westchester, IL 60154

Attention: Senior Vice President — Human Resources

 

or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith.

 

Article 11.  Miscellaneous.

 

No provision of this Agreement may be waived or modified unless such waiver or modification is in writing and signed by the Executive and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or such other officer as may be designated by the Board. No waiver by either party of any breach by the other party of, or compliance with, any provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions at the same or any prior or subsequent time. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to its principles of conflict of laws, and by applicable laws of the United States.

 

Article 12.  Validity.

 

The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision, which shall remain in full force and effect.

 

Article 13.  Legal Expenses; Dispute Resolution; Arbitration; Pre-Judgment Interest.

 

13.1                  The Company shall promptly pay all legal fees and related expenses incurred by the Executive in seeking to obtain or enforce any right or benefit under this Agreement (including all fees and expenses, if any, incurred in seeking advice in connection therewith).

 

13.2                  If any dispute or controversy arises under or in connection with this Agreement, including without limitation any claim under any Federal, state or local law, rule, decision or order relating to employment or the fact or manner of its termination, the Company and the Executive shall attempt to resolve such dispute or controversy through good faith negotiations.

 

13.3                  If such parties fail to resolve such dispute or controversy within ninety days, such dispute or controversy shall, if the Executive so elects, be settled by arbitration, conducted before a panel of three arbitrators in Chicago, Illinois in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures of the Center for Public Resources then in effect. Judgment upon the award 

 

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rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. Such arbitration shall be final and binding on the parties. Costs of any arbitration, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees of both parties, shall be borne by the Company.

 

13.4                  If such parties fail to resolve such dispute or controversy within ninety days and the Executive does not elect arbitration, legal proceedings may be instituted, in which event the Company shall be required to pay the Executive’s legal fees and related expenses to the extent set forth in Section 13.1 above.

 

13.5                  Pending the resolution of any arbitration or court proceeding, the Company shall continue payment of all amounts due the Executive under this Agreement and all benefits to which the Executive is entitled, including medical and life insurance benefits, other than those specifically at issue in the arbitration or court proceeding and excluding long term disability benefits.

 

13.6                  If the Executive is awarded amounts pursuant to arbitration or court proceeding, the Company shall also pay pre-judgment interest on such amounts calculated at the Prime Rate (as defined below) in effect on the date of such payment. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Prime Rate” shall mean the prime rate as published in the Wall Street Journal Midwest edition showing such rate in effect as of the first business day of each calendar quarter.

 

* * * * *

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the day and year first above written.

 

	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Executive
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Ingredion   Incorporated
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Company Representative Position
    

 

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