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Exhibit 10(k)  

 
  EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT    
    

        EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") dated as of March 5, 2004 by and between Superior Essex Inc.
(the "Company") and H. Patrick Jack (the "Executive"). 

        The
Company desires to continue to employ Executive and to enter into an agreement embodying the terms of such employment; 

        Executive
desires to accept such employment and enter into such an agreement; 

        In
consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows: 

        1.     Term of Employment. Subject to the provisions of Section 8 of this Agreement, Executive shall continue to be
employed by the Company for a period commencing on January 1, 2004 and ending on December 31, 2006 (the "Employment Term") on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this
Agreement; provided, however, that commencing with December 31, 2006 and on each anniversary
thereof (each an "Extension Date"), the Employment Term shall be automatically extended for an additional one-year period, unless the Company or Executive provides the other party hereto
90 days prior written notice before the next Extension Date that the Employment Term shall not be so extended. 

        2.     Position. 

        a.     During
the Employment Term, Executive shall serve as an Executive Vice President of the Company and the President of Essex Group, Inc. In such position, Executive
shall have such duties and authority, consistent with such position with the Company, as shall be determined from time to time by the Board
of Directors of the Company (the "Board") or the Chief Executive of the Company. Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. 

        b.     During
the Employment Term, Executive will devote Executive's full business time and best efforts to the performance of Executive's duties hereunder and will not engage
in any other business, profession or occupation for compensation or otherwise which would conflict or interfere, in any significant respect, with the rendition of such services either directly or
indirectly, without the prior written consent of the Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may, without the prior approval of the Board, (i) make and manage personal business
investments of Executive's choice, subject to the prior written consent of the Board if any such investment is beyond merely buying and selling in the ordinary course (and, in so doing, may serve as
an officer, director, agent or employee of entities and business enterprises that are related to such personal investments) and (ii) serve in any capacity with any civic, educational or
charitable organization or any governmental entity or trade association; provided that in each case, and in the aggregate, such activities do not
conflict or interfere, in any significant respect, with the performance of Executive's duties hereunder or conflict with Section 9. 

        c.     Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Section 2, Executive agrees to serve without additional compensation, if elected or appointed thereto, as a
director of the Company and any of its subsidiaries and in one or more executive offices of any of the Company's subsidiaries, provided that Executive
is indemnified for serving in any and all such capacities. 

        3.     Base Salary. During the Employment Term, the Company shall pay Executive a base salary at the annual rate of $300,000,
payable in regular installments in accordance with the Company's usual payment practices (but not less often than monthly). Executive's base salary shall be reviewed annually by the Board, and
Executive shall be entitled to such increases in the base salary, if any, as may be determined from time to time in the sole discretion of the Board. Once increased, such base salary shall not be
decreased and no increase shall serve to limit or reduce any other obligation to Executive under this Agreement. Executive's annual base salary, as in effect from time to time, is hereinafter referred
to as the "Base Salary". 

 

        4.     Annual Bonus. With respect to each fiscal year ending during the Employment Term, Executive shall be eligible to earn an
annual bonus award (an "Annual Bonus") based upon the achievement of certain performance targets, as reasonably established by the Board in good faith, after consultation with Executive;  provided,
however, that Executive shall have a target Annual Bonus of 50% of the Base Salary, subject to
Executive's achievement of such performance targets. 

        5.     Equity Arrangements. 

        a.     Initial Stock Option Grant. As soon as practicable following the execution of this Agreement (the "Grant Date"), the
Company shall grant Executive a non-qualified stock option (the "Initial Option") to purchase 150,000 shares of the Company's common stock, par value $.01 (the "Common Stock") under the
Superior Essex Inc. 2003 Stock Incentive Plan as may be in effect from time to time (the "2003 Stock Incentive Plan") at an exercise price equal to $10. Subject to Executive's continued
employment by the Company (or its affiliates) through each vesting date, the Initial Option shall vest and become exercisable in equal annual installments of 331/3% each, on
November 10, 2004, November 10, 2005 and November 10, 2006. The Initial Option shall be granted pursuant to and, to the extent not contrary to the terms of this Agreement, shall
be subject to the terms and conditions of, the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan and the Company's standard stock option agreement. Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees not to sell any shares of Common
Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of the Initial Option during the period commencing on the date this Agreement is executed and ending on the date 12 months later or, if earlier, the date
Executive's employment with the Company terminates. 

        b.     Performance Shares. On the Grant Date, the Company shall grant Executive 50,000 shares of restricted Common Stock (the
"Restricted Shares"), which shall be granted pursuant to, and subject to the terms and conditions of, the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan and the Company's standard restricted stock agreement. Subject to
Executive's continued employment by the Company (or its affiliates) through November 10, 2006, the Restricted Shares shall vest and cease to be Restricted Shares (but shall remain subject to
the other terms of this Agreement) on November 10, 2006 with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock for which the Target Trading Price (as defined below) has been achieved prior to
such anniversary for at least any 20 consecutive trading day period in accordance with the following schedule: 

	Target Trading Price
	 	Percentage of

Award Triggered

	$17.50 per share	 	33.33%
	$22.50 per share	 	33.33%
	$28.50 per share	 	33.34%

        Notwithstanding
the foregoing, subject to Executive's continued employment by the Company (or its affiliates), the Restricted Shares shall vest and cease to be Restricted Shares (but
shall remain subject to the other terms of this Agreement) on November 10, 2010. The Company may accelerate the vesting of all or any part of the Restricted Shares at any time after
November 10, 2006, based on such factors, if any, as the Company shall determine, in its sole discretion. Executive shall forfeit to the Company any Restricted Shares that do not become vested
prior to Executive's termination of employment with the Company for any reason, without compensation other than repayment of the par value paid for such shares of Restricted Shares, if applicable.
Without limiting the generality of the adjustment provision under Section 4.2 of the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan, the Company acknowledges that it has no intention to adversely impact Executive
by reason of extraordinary factors relating to the capital structure of the Company or the Common Stock, such as extraordinary cash dividends, and if an event occurs that could reasonably be expected
to impair Executive's ability to achieve the Target Trading Prices, the Compensation Committee of the Board will use reasonable judgment, which decision shall be dispositive, to adjust the Target
Trading Prices in a manner consistent with such event. 

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        For
purposes of this Agreement, the "Target Trading Price" shall mean the closing sales price of a share of Common Stock on any date as reported by the principal national securities
exchange in the United States on which it is listed or admitted to trading or if not traded on any such exchange, as quoted by the National Association of Securities Dealers or as quoted on the pink
sheets by the National Quotation Bureau. 

        c.     Change in Control. If a Change in Control (as defined in the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan) occurs and (x) within
90 days of the consummation of the Change in Control, Executive does not receive a written offer of employment from the acquiror or successor in the Change in Control that provides for
employment following the Change in Control on substantially the same terms and conditions as set forth in this Agreement, (y) the Change in Control results in the Company no longer being a
"reporting company" under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 based on its common stock being publicly traded or (z) the Executive's employment is terminated during the one-year
period commencing on the date of the consummation of the Change in Control by the Company without Cause (other than by reason of death or Disability) or by Executive's resignation for Good Reason,
then (i) any unvested portion of the Initial Option held by Executive shall become vested and exercisable; and (ii) any unvested portion of the Restricted Shares for which the applicable
Target Trading Price requirement has been satisfied prior to the consummation of the Change in Control shall vest and cease to be Restricted Shares (but shall remain subject to the other terms of this
Agreement). 

        6.     Employee Benefits. During the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Company's (or its
affiliates') employee benefit plans, programs and arrangements as in effect from time to time (collectively, the "Employee Benefits"), on the same basis as those benefits generally are made available
to other senior executives of the Company, commensurate with Executive's position with the Company. In addition, the Company covenants to adopt, and to name Executive as a participant in, a senior
executive retirement plan (the "SERP"), the material terms of which are set forth on Exhibit B hereto. Executive acknowledges that payment under the SERP shall be made only if Executive
complies with the provisions of Section 9 and Section 10 (other than any noncompliance which is insubstantial and insignificant, taking into account all of the circumstances) during the
Employment Term and the Restricted Period (as defined in Section 9). 

        7.     Business Expenses and Perquisites. 

        a.     Business and Other Expenses. During the Employment Term, reasonable business expenses incurred by Executive in the
performance of Executive's duties hereunder shall be reimbursed by the Company in accordance with Company policies. 

        b.     Perquisites. While employed hereunder, Executive shall be entitled to (i) any perquisites that generally are made
available to other senior executives of the Company and (ii) those perquisites set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto. 

        8.     Termination. The Employment Term and Executive's employment hereunder may be terminated by either party at any time and
for any reason in the manner provided herein. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the provisions of this Section 8 shall exclusively govern Executive's rights upon
termination of employment with the Company and its affiliates. 

        a.     By the Company For Cause or By Executive Resignation Without Good Reason. 

          (i)  The
Employment Term and Executive's employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company for Cause and shall terminate automatically upon Executive's resignation
without Good Reason; provided, however, that Executive will be required to give the Company at least
30 days advance written notice of a resignation without Good Reason. 

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         (ii)  For
purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall mean (A) Executive's continued willful failure to perform substantially Executive's duties hereunder (other than as
a result of total or partial incapacity
due to physical or mental illness) following written notice by the Company to Executive of such failure, (B) dishonesty in the performance of Executive's duties hereunder which is injurious
(other than in some immaterial or de minimis respect) to the financial condition or business reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates,
(C) Executive's conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a crime constituting (y) a felony under the laws of the United
States or any state thereof or (z) a misdemeanor involving misconduct by Executive in his personal or professional conduct punishable by imprisonment of more than three days or a fine in excess
of $5,000 (other than a traffic violation), which is reasonably likely to damage the business, prospects or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates in any respect, (D) Executive's
willful malfeasance or willful misconduct in connection with Executive's duties hereunder or any act or omission which is injurious (other than in some immaterial or de
minimis respect) to the financial condition or business reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates or (E) Executive's breach of the provisions of Sections 9 or
10 of this Agreement (other than a breach which is insubstantial and insignificant, taking into account all of the circumstances); provided,  however, that
any event described in clauses (A), (B) and (D) of this Section 8(a)(ii) shall constitute Cause only if
Executive fails to cure such event, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Board, within 10 days after receipt from the Company of written notice of the event which constitutes Cause. 

        (iii)  If
Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for Cause or if Executive resigns without Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to receive: 

        (A)  the
Base Salary through the date of termination; 

        (B)  any
Annual Bonus earned but unpaid as of the date of termination for any previously completed fiscal year; 

        (C)  reimbursement
for any unreimbursed business expenses properly incurred by Executive in accordance with Company policy prior to the date of Executive's termination; and 

        (D)  such
Employee Benefits, if any, as to which Executive may be entitled under the employee benefit plans of the Company or any of its affiliates, including, without
limitation, any vested accrued benefit under the SERP (the amounts described in clauses (A) through (D) hereof being referred to as the "Accrued Rights"). 

        Following
such termination of Executive's employment by the Company for Cause or resignation by Executive without Good Reason, except as set forth in this
Section 8(a)(iii) or Sections 12(k), (m) and (n), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement. 

        b.     Disability or Death. 

          (i)  The
Employment Term and Executive's employment hereunder shall terminate upon Executive's death and may be terminated by the Company if Executive becomes physically or
mentally incapacitated and is therefore reasonably likely to be unable for a period of six consecutive months or for an aggregate of nine months in any twelve consecutive month period to perform
Executive's material duties (such incapacity is hereinafter referred to as "Disability"). Any question as to the existence of the Disability of Executive as to which Executive and the Company cannot
agree shall be determined in writing by a qualified independent physician mutually acceptable to Executive and the Company. If Executive and the Company cannot agree as to a qualified independent
physician, each shall appoint such a physician and those two physicians shall select a third who shall make such determination in 

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writing.
The determination of Disability made in writing to the Company and Executive shall be final and conclusive for all purposes of the Agreement. 

         (ii)  Upon
termination of Executive's employment hereunder for either Disability or death, Executive or Executive's estate (as the case may be) shall be entitled to receive
the Accrued Rights. In addition, as of the date of a termination described in this Section 8(b), any unvested portion of the Initial Option (or any other stock option then held by Executive)
shall become vested and exercisable and the unvested portion of the Restricted Shares for which the applicable Target Trading Price requirement has been satisfied prior a termination described in this
Section 8(b) shall vest and cease to be Restricted Shares (but shall remain subject to the other terms of this Agreement). 

        Following
Executive's termination of employment due to death or Disability, except as set forth in this Section 8(b)(ii) or Sections 12(k), (m) and (n), Executive
shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement. 

        c.     By the Company Without Cause or Resignation by Executive for Good Reason. 

          (i)  The
Employment Term and Executive's employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company without Cause (other than by reason of death or Disability) or by Executive's
resignation for Good Reason. 

         (ii)  For
purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall mean, without Executive's written consent, (A) a reduction in Executive's Base Salary as then in effect,
(B) a reduction in Executive's target Annual Bonus to less than 50% of the Base Salary or a material reduction by the Company of Employee Benefits to which Executive is entitled (other than an
overall reduction in benefits that affects substantially all full-time employees of the Company and its affiliates), (C) Executive's removal from the position of Executive Vice
President of the Company or President of Essex Group, Inc., (D) a material adverse change in Executive's authority, duties and responsibilities or
reporting lines, (E) a relocation of Executive's principal place of employment with the Company of more than 35 miles from Executive's then current work location, (F) the Company's
failure to pay amounts to which Executive is entitled under this Agreement or (G) the Company's giving written notice that it elects not to extend the Employment Term pursuant to
Section 1 of this Agreement; provided that any event described in clauses (A) through (F) above shall constitute Good Reason only
if the Company fails to cure such event within 20 days after receipt from Executive of written notice of the event which constitutes Good Reason;  provided, further, that Good Reason shall cease to exist for an event on the 60th day following the
later of its occurrence or Executive's knowledge thereof, unless Executive has given the Company written notice thereof prior to such date. 

        (iii)  If
Executive's employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (other than by reason of death or Disability) or if Executive resigns for Good Reason, Executive
shall be entitled to receive: 

        (A)  the
Accrued Rights; 

        (B)  a
lump sum payment equal to Executive's then Base Salary; provided that if, prior to December 31, 2004,
Executive's employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (other than by reason of death or Disability) or Executive resigns for Good Reason, the remaining installment of the stay bonus (if
any) under the Superior TeleCom Inc. Key Employee Retention Plan plus $600,000 in lieu of the foregoing payments and any benefit payable to Executive under the Superior TeleCom Inc.
Severance Pay Plan; provided further the aggregate amount described in this clause (B) shall be reduced by the present value of any other cash
severance or similar termination 

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benefits
payable to Executive under any other plans, programs or arrangements of the Company or its affiliates; 

        (C)  if
a termination described in this Section 8(c)(iii) occurs after June 30th in any calendar year, a lump sum payment equal to a
pro-rata portion of Executive's bonus for the performance year in which Executive's termination occurs (determined by multiplying the amount Executive would be able to receive if the date
of termination were the end of the performance year by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during the performance year of termination that Executive is employed by the Company and
the denominator of which is 365); provided, that the applicable performance targets are met for the portion of the fiscal year during which Executive
was employed by the Company; provided, further, that no amount shall be paid to Executive if at the time
of such termination no bonus would be payable based on the actual achievement of corporate, business unit and individual performance results as of the date of termination; and 

        (D)  subject
to Executive's continued compliance with the provisions of Sections 9 and 10 of this Agreement (other than a breach which is insubstantial and insignificant,
taking into account all of the circumstances), if Executive's employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (other than by
reason of death or Disability) or Executive resigns for Good Reason, for a period of twelve months following the date of such termination, continued participation in the health and welfare plans
maintained by the Company or any of its affiliates as in effect from time to time during such twelve-month period, on the same basis as the Company and its affiliates provides such plans for its then
actively employed executives (which may include, without limitation, medical, dental, executive medical reimbursement, disability and life insurance), and the Company and Executive shall share the
costs of the continuation of such coverage in the same proportion as such costs were shared immediately prior to Executive's termination; provided,  however,
 that such participation shall terminate, or the benefits under such plan shall be reduced, if and to the extent Executive becomes covered (or
is eligible to become covered) during such period by plans of a subsequent employer or other entity to which Executive provides services providing comparable benefits or if Executive fails to pay any
required contribution or premium. Such coverage shall be credited against the time period that Executive and Executive's dependents are entitled to receive continued coverage under the Consolidated
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended. 

        (iv)  If
Executive's employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (other than by reason of death or Disability) or if Executive resigns for Good Reason at any time
during the period beginning on the date of a Change in Control and ending one year after the date of such Change in Control, Executive shall be entitled to receive the benefits as provided under
Section 8(c)(iii)(A), (B) and (D), except that the amount paid pursuant to Section 8(c)(iii)(B) shall be equal to two times Executive's then Base Salary less any amount paid under
Company's Change in Control Severance Pay Plan; provided, however, that if a Change in Control occurs
between May 11, 2004 and November 10, 2004, the amount paid pursuant to Section 8(c)(iii)(B) shall be equal to 220% of the sum of Executive's then Base Salary and target Annual
Bonus. 

        Following
Executive's termination of employment by the Company without Cause (other than by reason of Executive's death or Disability) or by Executive's resignation for Good Reason,
except as set forth in this Section 8(c)(iii) or Sections 12(k), (m) and (n), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this
Agreement. 

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        d.     Expiration of Employment Term. 

          (i)  Election Not to Extend the Employment Term. In the event either party elects not to extend the Employment Term pursuant
to Section 1, unless Executive's employment is earlier terminated pursuant to paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 8, Executive's termination of employment hereunder
(whether or not Executive continues as an employee of the Company or any affiliate thereafter) shall be deemed to occur on the close of business on the day immediately preceding the next scheduled
Extension Date. If the Company so elects not to extend the Employment Term, Executive shall be treated as having resigned for Good Reason and Executive's rights and obligations shall be determined in
accordance with Section 8(c)(iii). If Executive so elects not to extend the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Rights. 

        Following
such termination of Executive's employment hereunder as a result of either party's election not to extend the Employment Term, except as set forth in this
Section 8(d)(i) or Sections 12(k), (m) and (n), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement. 

         (ii)  Continued Employment Beyond the Expiration of the Employment Term. Unless the parties otherwise agree in writing,
continuation of Executive's employment with the Company or any affiliate beyond the expiration of the Employment Term shall be deemed an employment at-will and shall not be deemed to
extend any of the provisions of this Agreement and Executive's employment may thereafter be terminated at will by either Executive or the Company (or affiliate);  provided that the provisions of Sections
9, 10 and 11 of this Agreement shall survive any termination of this Agreement or Executive's termination of
employment hereunder. 

        e.     Notice of Termination. Any purported termination of employment by the Company or by Executive (other than due to
Executive's death) shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto in accordance with Section 12(h) hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination"
shall mean a written notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to
provide a basis for termination of employment under the provision so indicated. 

        f.      Board/Committee Resignation. Upon termination of Executive's employment for any reason, Executive agrees to resign, as of
the date of such termination and to the extent applicable, from the board of directors (and any committees thereof) of the Company or its affiliates. 

        g.     Execution of Release of All Claims. Upon termination of Executive's employment for any reason, Executive agrees to execute
a release of all claims against the Company and its shareholders, and any of their respective subsidiaries, affiliates, shareholders, partners, directors, officers, employees and agents (the
"Protected Group"), substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C. Notwithstanding anything set forth in this Agreement to the contrary, upon termination of Executive's employment for
any reason, Executive shall not receive any payments or benefits to which Executive may be entitled hereunder (other than those which by law cannot be subject to the execution of a release)
(i) if Executive revokes such release or (ii) until eight days after the date Executives signs such release (or until such other date as applicable law may provide that Executive cannot
revoke such release). 

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        9.     Non-Competition. 

        a.     Executive
acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the businesses of the Company and its affiliates and accordingly agrees as follows: 

          (i)  During
the Employment Term and, for a period of twelve months following the date Executive ceases to be employed by the Company for any reason (the "Restricted
Period"), Executive will not, whether on Executive's own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any person, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, corporation or other business
organization, entity or enterprise whatsoever ("Person"), directly or indirectly solicit or assist in soliciting in competition with the Company or its affiliates, the wire or cable business of any
client or prospective client: 

        (A)  with
whom Executive had personal contact or dealings on behalf of the Company or its affiliates during the one year period preceding Executive's termination of
employment; 

        (B)  with
whom employees reporting to Executive have had personal contact or dealings on behalf of the Company or its affiliates during the one year period immediately
preceding Executive's termination of employment; or 

        (C)  for
whom Executive had direct or indirect responsibility during the one-year period immediately preceding Executive's termination of employment. 

         (ii)  During
the Restricted Period, Executive will not directly or indirectly: 

        (A)  engage
in any business that manufactures or distributes wire or cable in competition with the Company or its affiliates in any geographical area that is within 100 miles
of any geographical area where the Company or its affiliates manufactures or distributes wire or cable (a "Competitive Business"); 

        (B)  enter
the employ of, or render any services to, any Person (or any division or controlled or controlling affiliate of any Person) who or which engages in a Competitive
Business; 

        (C)  acquire
a financial interest in, or otherwise become actively involved with, any Competitive Business, directly or indirectly, as an individual, partner, shareholder,
officer, director, principal, agent, trustee or consultant; or 

        (D)  interfere
with, or attempt to interfere with, business relationships (whether formed before, on or after the date of this Agreement) between the Company or any of its
affiliates and customers, clients, suppliers, partners, members or investors of the Company or its affiliates. 

        (iii)  Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Executive may, directly or indirectly own, solely as an investment, securities of any Person engaged in the
business of the Company or its affiliates which are publicly traded on a national or regional stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market if Executive (a) is not a
controlling person of, or a member of a group which controls, such person and (b) does not, directly or indirectly, own 5% or more of any class of securities of such Person. 

        (iv)  During
the Restricted Period, Executive will not, whether on Executive's own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any Person, directly or indirectly: 

        (A)  solicit
or encourage any employee of the Company or its affiliates to leave the employment of the Company or its affiliates; or 

8

 

        (B)  hire
any such employee who was employed by the Company or its affiliates as of the date of Executive's termination of employment with the Company or who left the
employment of the Company or its affiliates coincident with, or within one year prior to or after, the termination of Executive's employment with the Company. 

         (v)  During
the Restricted Period, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, solicit or encourage to cease to work with the Company or its affiliates any consultant then
under contract with the Company or its affiliates. 

        b.     It
is expressly understood and agreed that although Executive and the Company consider the restrictions contained in this Section 9 to be reasonable, if a final
judicial determination is made by a court of competent jurisdiction that the time or territory or any other restriction contained in this Agreement is an unenforceable restriction against Executive,
the provisions of this Agreement shall not be rendered void but shall be deemed amended to apply as to such maximum time and territory and to such maximum extent as such court may judicially determine
or indicate to be enforceable. Alternatively, if any court of competent jurisdiction finds that any restriction contained in this Agreement is unenforceable, and such restriction cannot be amended so
as to make it enforceable, such finding shall not affect the enforceability of any of the other restrictions contained herein. 

        10.   Confidentiality and Non-Disparagement. 

        a.     Confidentiality. 

          (i)  Executive
will not at any time (whether during or after Executive's employment with the Company) (y) retain or use for the benefit, purposes or account of
Executive or any other Person, or (z) disclose, divulge, reveal, communicate, share, transfer or provide access to any Person outside the Company or its affiliates (other than its professional
advisers who are bound by confidentiality obligations), any non-public, proprietary or confidential information—including without limitation trade secrets,
know-how, research and development, software, databases, inventions, processes, formulae, technology, designs and other intellectual property, information concerning finances, investments,
profits, pricing, costs, products, services, vendors, customers, clients, partners, investors, personnel, compensation, recruiting, training, advertising, sales, marketing, promotions, government and
regulatory activities and approvals concerning the past, current or future business, activities and operations of the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates and/or any third party that has disclosed
or provided any of same to the Company or its affiliates on a confidential basis ("Confidential Information") without the prior written authorization of the Board. 

         (ii)  "Confidential
Information" shall not include any information that is (A) generally known to the industry or the public other than as a result of Executive's
breach of this covenant or any breach of other confidentiality obligations by third parties; (B) made legitimately available to Executive by a third party without breach of any confidentiality
obligation; or (C) required by law to be disclosed; provided, however, that Executive shall give
prompt written notice to the Company of such requirement, disclose no more information than is so required, and cooperate (at the Company's expense) with any attempts by the Company to obtain a
protective order or similar treatment. 

        (iii)  Upon
termination of Executive's employment with the Company for any reason, Executive shall: (x) cease and not thereafter commence use of any Confidential
Information or intellectual property (including without limitation, any patent, invention, copyright, trade secret, trademark, trade name, logo, domain name or other source indicator) owned or used by
the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates; (y) immediately destroy, delete, or return to the Company, at the Company's option, all originals and copies in any form or medium (including 

9

 

memoranda,
books, papers, plans, computer files, letters and other data) in Executive's possession or control (including any of the foregoing stored or located in Executive's office, home, laptop or
other computer, whether or not Company property) that contain Confidential Information or otherwise relate to the business of the Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries, except that Executive may
retain only those portions of any personal notes, notebooks and diaries that do not contain any Confidential Information; and (z) notify and fully cooperate with the Company (at the Company's
expense) regarding the delivery or destruction of any other Confidential Information of which Executive is or becomes aware. 

        b.     Non-Disparagement. 

          (i)  Executive
shall not at any time make any oral or written statement about the Company, its affiliates or its shareholders, regarding any of the foregoing's financial
status, business, compliance with laws, ethics, shareholders, partners, personnel, directors, officers, employees, consultants, agents, services, business methods or otherwise, which is intended or
reasonably likely to disparage any member of the Protected Group, or otherwise degrade any member of the Protected Group's reputation in the business, industry or legal community in which any such
member operates; provided that Executive shall be permitted to (A) make any statement that is required by applicable securities or other laws to
be included in a filing or disclosure document, (B) issue any press release or public statement regarding the fact of a termination of Executive's employment, (C) defend himself against
any statement made by the Company or its affiliates that is intended or reasonably likely to disparage Executive or otherwise degrade Executive's reputation in the business, industry or legal
community in which Executive operates, only if Executive reasonably believes that the statements made in such defense are not false statements and (D) provide truthful testimony in any legal
proceeding. 

         (ii)  The
Company and its affiliates shall not issue any press release or make any public statement about Executive which is intended or reasonably likely to disparage
Executive, or otherwise degrade Executive's reputation in the business or industry in which Executive operates; provided that the Company and its
affiliates shall be permitted to (A) make any statement that is required by applicable securities or other laws to be included in a filing or disclosure document, (B) issue any press
release or public statement regarding the fact of a termination of Executive's employment, (C) defend itself against any statement made by Executive that is intended or reasonably likely to
disparage any member of the Protected Group or otherwise degrade any member of the Protected Group's reputation in the business, industry or legal community in which such member of the Protected Group
operates, only if the Company or its affiliate reasonably believes that the statements made in such defense are not false statements and (D) provide truthful testimony in any legal proceeding. 

        c.     The
provisions of this Section 10 shall survive the termination of Executive's employment for any reason. 

        11.   Specific Performance. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company's remedies at law for a breach or threatened
breach of any of the provisions of Section 9 or Section 10 would be inadequate and the Company would suffer irreparable damages as a result of such breach or threatened breach. In
recognition of this fact, Executive agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to
cease making any payments or providing any benefit otherwise required by this Agreement and obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, temporary restraining order, temporary or
permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available. 

10

 

        12.   Miscellaneous. 

        a.     Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware,
without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof. 

        b.     Entire Agreement/Amendments. This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the
employment of Executive by the Company. There are no restrictions, agreements, promises, warranties, covenants or undertakings between the parties with respect to the subject matter herein other than
those expressly set forth herein. This Agreement may not be altered, modified, or amended except by written instrument signed by the parties hereto. 

        c.     No Waiver. The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion shall not
be considered a waiver of such party's rights or deprive such party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement. 

        d.     Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement shall be or become invalid, illegal or
unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. 

        e.     Assignment. This Agreement, and all of Executive's rights and duties hereunder, shall not be assignable or delegable by
Executive. Any purported assignment or delegation by Executive in violation of the foregoing shall be null and void ab initio and of no force and
effect. This Agreement may be
assigned by the Company to a person or entity which is an affiliate and shall be assigned to a successor in interest to substantially all of the business operations of the Company which assumes in
writing, or by operation of law, the obligations of the Company hereunder. Upon such assignment, the rights and obligations of the Company hereunder shall become the rights and obligations of such
affiliate or successor person or entity; provided, however, that, unless Executive consents to such
assignment (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), the Company shall remain secondarily liable for any obligations hereunder. Failure of the Company to obtain such assumption substantially
simultaneous with the occurrence of such succession shall be a breach of the Agreement and shall entitle Executive to terminate employment with the Company for Good Reason and Executive's rights and
obligations shall be determined in accordance with Section 8(c)(iii), except that for purposes of implementing the foregoing, the date on which any such succession becomes effective shall be
deemed the date of termination. As used in the Agreement, Company shall mean the Company as herein before defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which executes and
delivers the agreement provided for in this Section or which otherwise becomes bound by all the terms and provisions of this Agreement by operation of law. 

        f.      No Set-Off; No Duty to Mitigate. The Company's obligation to pay Executive the amounts provided and to make
the arrangements provided hereunder shall not be subject to set-off, counterclaim or recoupment of amounts owed by Executive to the Company or its affiliates. In no event shall Executive
be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement or otherwise, nor shall the amount
of any payment or benefits provided hereunder be reduced by any compensation earned by Executive as a result of employment by another employer except as provided in Section 8(c)(iii). 

        g.     Successors; Binding Agreement. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon personal or legal
representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. 

        h.     Notice. For the purpose 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 

11

 

when
delivered by hand or overnight courier or three days after it has been mailed by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses
set forth below in this Agreement, or to such other address as either 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. 

        If
to the Company: 

210
Interstate North Parkway, Suite 250

Atlanta, Georgia 30339 

Attention:
Chief Executive Officer 

        If
to Executive: 

To
the most recent address of Executive set forth in the personnel records of the Company. 

        i.      Executive Representation. Executive hereby represents to the Company that the execution and delivery of this Agreement by
Executive and the Company and the performance by Executive of Executive's duties hereunder shall not constitute a breach of, or otherwise contravene, the terms of any employment agreement or other
agreement or policy to which Executive is a party or otherwise bound. 

        j.      Prior Agreements. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (including verbal agreements) between
Executive and the Company and/or its affiliates regarding the terms and conditions of Executive's employment with the Company and/or its affiliates (other than the Company's Change in Control
Severance Pay Plan and the Company's Key Employee Retention Plan and the rights of Executive under such plans shall not be effected or limited by this Agreement). 

        k.     Cooperation. Executive shall provide Executive's reasonable cooperation in connection with any action or proceeding (or
any appeal from any action or proceeding) which relates to events occurring during Executive's employment hereunder. This provision shall survive any termination of this Agreement. The Company shall
reimburse Executive for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with Executive's performance of obligations under this Section 12(k) at the request
of the Company and, following Executive's termination of employment hereunder, the Company shall pay Executive a fee at an hourly rate of $300 for Executive's performance of obligations under this
Section 12(k) at the request of the Company; provided that (i) Executive is not receiving any payments pursuant to Section 8(c) of
this Agreement at the time of Executive's performance of such obligations and (ii) Executive's cooperation is not in connection with any action, suit or proceeding in respect of which the
Company is providing or has provided any payments pursuant to Section 12(m) of this Agreement. 

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

        m.    Indemnification. In the event Executive is made a party to any threatened or pending action, suit, or proceeding, whether
civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, by reason of the fact that Executive is or was performing services under this Agreement or as an employee, officer or director of the Company, then,
to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company shall indemnify Executive against all expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement,
as actually and reasonably incurred by Executive in connection therewith. Such indemnification shall continue as to Executive even if Executive has ceased to be an employee, officer or director of the
Company and shall inure to the benefit of Executive's heirs and estate. In the event that both Executive and the Company are made a party 

12

 

to
the same third-party action, complaint, suit, or proceeding, the Company will engage competent legal representation, and Executive agrees to use the same representation at the Company's expense;  provided that if counsel selected by the Company shall have a conflict of interest that prevents such counsel from representing Executive, Executive may
engage separate counsel and the Company shall pay all reasonable attorneys' fees of such separate counsel. In addition, the Company agrees to continue and maintain a directors' and officers' liability
insurance policy covering Executive both during and, while potential liability exists, after the Employment Term that is no less favorable than the policy covering other directors and senior officers
of the Company. 

        n.     Legal Fees. In the event of any dispute with respect to this Agreement which results in a lawsuit, arbitration or other
dispute resolution, the person hearing such dispute shall be entitled to award reasonable attorneys' fees and other costs and expenses incurred in connection with such dispute to the party which
prevails in substantially all material respects on the issues presented for resolution, as determined by the person hearing such dispute. 

        o.     Arbitration. Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement, other than injunctive relief
under Section 11 hereof or damages for breach of Section 9 or 10, shall be settled exclusively by arbitration, conducted before a single arbitrator in Atlanta, Georgia in accordance with
the National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. The decision of the arbitrator will be final and binding upon the parties hereto.
Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator's award in any court having jurisdiction. 

        p.     Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if
the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument. 

        13.   Authority. This Agreement shall be duly approved and authorized by all necessary action of the Company no later than the
first meeting of the Board following the date this Agreement is executed. 

13

 

        IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written. 

	SUPERIOR ESSEX INC.	 	EXECUTIVE
	

/s/ STEPHEN M. CARTER
	
 	

/s/ H. PATRICK JACK

	By: Stephen M. Carter	 	H. Patrick Jack
	Title: Chief Executive Officer	 	 

14

EXHIBIT A  

PERQUISITES  

	(1)
	The
Company shall provide a car allowance to Executive in the amount of $1,200 per month (which is intended to be inclusive of any income taxes owed by Executive as a result of all or
any portion of this allowance being determined to be compensation to Executive).

	(2)
	The
Company shall pay the premiums for Executive (and his dependents) under the Company's medical insurance plan in an amount at least as favorable as the premiums applicable to
active employees of the Company, plus the first $10,000 of medical expenses and/or premiums not covered by such medical insurance plan or paid for by the Company.

	(3)
	The
Company shall pay the reasonable dues for one country club membership for Executive.

	(4)
	The
Company shall reimburse Executive for the telecommunications and computing costs to provide Executive with an effective office capability at home and while traveling.

	(5)
	The
Company shall reimburse Executive for the reasonable expenses incurred by Executive for financial planning and counseling in accordance with the Company's policy.

	(6)
	The
Company agrees to pay for or reimburse Executive for the expenses and costs of relocation in accordance with the letter from the Chief Executive Officer governing such matter,
except if Executive's employment is terminated for Cause. 

EXHIBIT B  

MATERIAL SERP PROVISIONS  

        Set forth below is a summary of the key features of the proposed senior executive retirement plan (the "SERP"). 

        Amount of Benefit.    The SERP benefit will be an annual benefit equal to 2% of Executive's "final
average pay" (as defined below) multiplied by his "years of service" with the Company (as defined below). In addition, for purposes of calculating Executive's accrued benefit under the SERP, Executive
shall be treated as having accrued an additional 5 years of service after completing five continuous years of service (i.e., a 10% accrual for year five in addition to the 2% per year accrual). 

        Final Average Compensation.    This will be the average of Executive's Base Salary and Annual Bonus for
the three highest-paid years out of the last five calendar years prior to Executive's retirement or other termination of employment with the Company. 

        Years of Service.    Years of service will include only years of service with the Company performed
after November 10, 2003. A year of service is measured in 1/12 increments to account for partial years of service completed. 

        Vesting.    The SERP benefit will vest after the completion of four continuous years of service. 

        Normal Retirement Age.    Age 62. 

        Timing of Payment.    Vested accrued benefits are payable any time after termination of employment.
Benefits that commence prior to attainment of normal retirement age will be actuarially reduced by 3% for each year payments commence prior to attainment of normal retirement age. If Executive retires
after normal retirement age, the SERP benefit will continue to accrue for such additional years of service. 

        Forms of Payment.    Executive may elect to receive 50% of the vested accrued SERP benefit in the form
of a lump sum payment on the date of his retirement or other termination of employment. The remaining 50% of the vested accrued SERP benefit or, if no election to receive a lump sum payment is made,
100% of the vested accrued SERP benefit can be received in the form of a single life annuity, a joint and 50% survivor annuity or a life annuity with 10-year period certain. Elections will
be required to be made in a manner so as to avoid Executive from being deemed to be in "constructive receipt" of the SERP benefit. 

        Forfeiture.    Executive will forfeit the SERP benefit if employment with the Company is terminated for
Cause. 

        Funding.    The SERP will be "unfunded" and benefits payable under the SERP will be paid out of the
general assets of the Company. Executive's claim to any SERP benefit will be no greater than a claim against the Company by any general and unsecured creditor. 

        "Top-Hat" Plan.    The SERP will be considered a "top-hat" plan, which is exempt
from substantive provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, pertaining to participation, vesting, funding and fiduciary responsibility. 

EXHIBIT C  

RELEASE  

        In exchange for a portion of the benefits described in the attached Employment Agreement dated as of January 1, 2004 (the "Agreement"), to which I agree I
am not otherwise entitled, I hereby release Superior Essex Inc. (the "Company"), its respective affiliates, subsidiaries, predecessors, successors, assigns, officers, directors, employees,
agents, stockholders, attorneys, and insurers, past, present and future (the "Released Parties") from any and all claims of any kind which I now have or may have against the Released Parties, whether
known or unknown to me, by reason of facts which have occurred on or prior to the date that I have signed this Release in connection with, or in any way related to or arising out of, my employment or
termination of employment with the Company; provided that such released claims shall not include any claims to enforce your rights (i) under, or
with respect to, the Agreement, (ii) to indemnification provided at law or pursuant to the Company's (or an affiliate's) By-Laws or insurance or to directors' and officers'
liability insurance coverage, (iii) under COBRA or your vested rights under benefit or incentive plans; or (iv) as a stockholder. Notwithstanding the generality of the preceding
sentence, such released claims include, without limitation, any and all claims under federal, state or local laws pertaining to employment, including the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Title
VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 2000e et seq., the Fair Labor Standards Act, as amended, 29 U.S.C.
Section 201 et seq., the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 12101 et
seq., the Reconstruction Era Civil Rights Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 1981 et seq., the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. Section 701 et seq., the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1992, 29 U.S.C. Section 2601  et seq., and any and all state
or local laws regarding employment discrimination and/or federal, state or local laws of any type or description
regarding employment, including, but not limited to, any claims arising from or derivative of my employment with the Company, as well as any and all claims under state contract or tort law or
otherwise. 

        I
hereby represent that I have not filed any action, complaint, charge, grievance or arbitration against the Company or the Released Parties. 

        I
understand and agree that I must forever continue to keep confidential all proprietary or confidential information which I learned while employed by the Company, whether oral or
written and as defined in the Agreement ("Confidential Information") and shall not make use of any such Confidential Information on my own behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity, except as
specifically authorized by the Agreement. 

        I
expressly understand and agree that the Company's obligations under this Release and the Agreement are in lieu of any and all other amounts to which I might be, am now or may become
entitled to receive from any of the Released Parties upon any claim whatsoever. 

        I
understand that I must not disclose the terms of this Release and the Agreement to anyone other than my immediate family, financial advisors (if any) and legal counsel and that I must
immediately inform my immediate family, financial advisors (if any) and legal counsel that they are prohibited from disclosing the terms of this Release and the Agreement. 

        It
is understood that I will not be in breach of the nondisclosure provisions of this Release if I am required to disclose information pursuant to a valid subpoena or court order,
provided that I notify the Company (to the attention of the [General Counsel] of the Company) as soon as practicable, but prior to the time in which I am required to disclose
information, that I have received the subpoena or court order which may require me to disclose information protected by this Release. Notwithstanding the foregoing, I also may disclose the terms of
this Release to government taxing authorities and/or the SEC. 

        I
agree that any violation or breach by me of my nondisclosure obligations, without limiting the Company's remedies, shall give rise on the part of the Company to a claim for relief to
recover from me, before a court of competent jurisdiction, any and all amounts previously paid to or on behalf of me 

 

by
the Company pursuant to Section 8 of the Agreement, but shall not release me from the performance of my obligations under this Release. 

        I
will not apply for or otherwise seek employment with the Released Parties without their written consent. 

        I
have read this Release carefully, acknowledge that I have been given at least 21 days to consider all of its terms, and have been advised to consult with an attorney and any
other advisors of my choice prior to executing this Release, and I fully understand that by signing below I am voluntarily giving up any right which I may have to sue or bring any other claims against
the Released Parties, including any rights and claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. I also understand that I have a period of 7 days after signing this Release within which to
revoke my agreement, and that neither the Company nor any other person is obligated to provide any benefits to me pursuant to the Agreement
until 8 days have passed since my signing of this Release without my signature having been revoked. I understand that any revocation of this Release must be received by the [General
Counsel] of the Company within the seven-day revocation period. Finally, I have not been forced or pressured in any manner whatsoever to sign this Release, and I agree to all
of its terms voluntarily. I represent and acknowledge that no representation, statement, promise, inducement, threat or suggestion has been made by any of the Released Parties or by any other
individual to influence me to sign this Release, except such statements as are expressly set forth herein or in the Agreement. 

        This
Release is final and binding and may not be changed or modified. 

	

    	
 	

 
	

	
 	

	DATE	 	H. Patrick Jack

2

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EXHIBIT 10.29    
    

KCI Europe Holding B.V.
  and —
 JöRG MENTEN

CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT
  

 

THIS AGREEMENT is made on 1 July 2001

BETWEEN:—

KCI Europe Holding B.V., a company incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands, having its statutory seat in Zeist, The Netherlands and its principle
place of business at Bergveste 12, "t Rondeel, 3992 DE Houten, The Netherlands, hereinafter referred to as "the Company'; 

and 

Jörg Menten, born on 29 December 1957, residing at  Forggenseestrasse 27, 68219 Mannheim, Germany,
hereinafter referred to as "the Employee'; 

THE PARTIES AGREE AS FOLLOWS:  

	1.
	 DEFINITIONS

In
this agreement unless the context otherwise requires: 

"Board"
means the management board of the Company; 

"Company"
means KCI Europe Holding B.V., or if the context so requires, for example in Schedule I and 2, its holding company and all subsidiary and associated companies of its holding
company;

	2.
	 AGREEMENT, DURATION, PROBATIONARY PERIOD AND NOTICE OF    TERMINATION

	2.1
	The
Company shall engage the Employee and the Employee shall serve the Company as hereinafter provided (the "Agreement").

	2.2
	This
Agreement shall commence on 1 November 2001.

	2.3
	This
Agreement is entered into for an indefinite period of time.

	2.4
	No
trial period shall apply.

	2.5
	This
Agreement shall terminate in any event without notice being required on the first day of the month following the date on which the Employee reaches the age of 65, unless the
pension scheme of the Employee provides for an earlier date.

	2.6
	This
Agreement may be terminated by either party in writing, with due observance of the statutory notice period. In the event of termination of the Agremeent by or upon request of the
Company for any reason other than malfeasance or acts of moral turpitude or for any reason other than an "urgent reason' ("dringende reden) as meant in
article 7:685 sub 2 of the Dutch Civil Code ("BW), the Employee will be provided a severance package equivalent to six (6) months salary
as meant in article 5.1 of this Agreement.  

 
	3.
	 DUTIES AND PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT

	3.1
	The
Employee is employed as President KCI International Division, responsible for the overall management and profitability of all KCI
International Division's country organisations; Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United
Kingdom, South America, Asia and the Middle East.

	3.2
	The
place of work will be the offices of the Company in Schiphol Rijk and any of the Company's above mentioned country organisations
offices.

	3.3
	The
Company will be entitled, after consultation with the Employee, to change the place of employment. 

1

 
	3.4
	The
Company forms part of the "KCI-group". The Employee agrees to perform activities for other companies within the KCI-group or to be transferred to another
company within the KCI-group upon the reasonable request of the Board of the Company or holding company of the KCI-group.

	3.5
	The
Employee will be required to work for 40 (forty) hours per week and 8 (eight) hours per day, unless otherwise agreed to and approved by his direct supervisors. The Employee may be
required to work additional hours without extra remuneration as may be necessary for the proper performance of his duties.  

 
	4.
	 HOLIDAY
ENTITLEMENT

	4.1
	During
the Agreement the Employee shall be entitled to 24 working days' holiday (in addition to public holidays), in each calendar year
(January to December) at full salary, to be taken at such time or times as may be approved by the Employee's direct supervisor. The legal minimum for holidays amounts to 20 days on fulltime
employment each year and therefore 4 holidays per year can be qualified as exceeding the statutory holidays ("bovenwettelijke vakantiedagen"). If and to
the extent the Employee does not take these holidays, the Company has the right to pay out these holidays.

	4.2
	Additionally,
the Employee shall be entitled to 4 so-called "ATV-days' in each calendar year (January to
December) at full salary, one of each to be taken in each quarter of the calendar year.

	4.3
	The
Employee shall inform the Company in writing of at least two weeks in advance of his wish to take holidays and for which period, also stipulating the duration of his proposed
holiday, in order to enable the Company to decide whether the proposal of the Employee with respect to his holidays does not harm the reasonable interests of the Company.

	4.4
	Upon
the termination of the Agreement either the Employee shall be entitled to receive payment in lieu of accrued holidays not taken at that date or the Company shall be entitled to
make a deduction from the Employee's remuneration in respect of holidays taken in excess of the accrued entitlement.  

 
	5
	
REMUNERATION

	5.1
	During
the Agreement and as remuneration for his services hereunder, the Employee shall receive a fixed salary at the rate of NLG 451,805/EUR
205,020 gross per annum, payable in arrears in equal monthly instalments on or before the last working day of each calendar month. This salary is inclusive of 8% holiday
allowance. If and in sofar as the 30% ruling referred to in Article 9 of the Dutch Wage Tax Act 1964 has been issued, the salary agreed upon and in connection with, this employment contract,
will be reduced in such a manner that 100/70 of the further determined salary as such, equals the originally agreed upon salary.If and in sofar as the above stated is applicable, the Employee will
receive an allowance for expatriate expenses, equal to 30/70 of said further determined salary. The Employee acknowledges that application of the 30% ruling according to above mentioned
construction and in accordance with the implications of said ruling, can and will impact any and all salary related benefits such as pension and social security benefits.

	5.2
	The
salary shall be reviewed, along with the Employee's performance, in January of each year, commencing in 2002.

	5.3
	In
addition to the annual salary, the Employee will be eligible to participate in the Company's Management Incentive Plan with an annual target bonus of  40% of the base salary. If necessary, the target
bonus will be adjusted based on the actual start date. Bonus payments are determined on a combination
of individual, division and corporate performance and will be contingent upon the Employee remaining in a bonus eligible position, as defined in the Company's Management Incentive Plan, on
December 31 of a calendar year. If the bonus is paid out, this will be in accordance with the terms of the 30% ruling as set out in article 5.1 

2

 
	5.4
	The
Employee will be recommended to the Stock Option Committee of the Board of Directors of KCI, the parent company, for a grant of  264,285 non-qualified stock options at the exercise price of $4.8135 per
option. The stock options will consist of two stock option grants.
One grant of 50,000 shares of common stock shall be from the original authorized allotment of shares from the KCI Management Equity Plan ("Equity Options"). The second grant of 214,285 shares of
common stock shall be from the amended authorized allotment of shares from the KCI Management Equity Plan. This second grant will consist of two groups of options consisting of 100,000 shares of
common stock (the "Base Options") and 114,285 shares of common stock (the "Liquidity Options"). The Equity and Base Options will vest at a rate of twenty percent (20%) on each anniversary of your
employment. The Liquidity Options will vest upon the occurrence of a "Liquidity Event" (as defined in the Management Equity Agreement the Employee will sign in connection with the grants). Other terms
and conditions related to the Employee's options will be set forth in a Management Equity Agreement executed by the Employee. If and to the extend permitted by Dutch (tax) law, the 30% ruling will be
applied to any tax benefits related to the stock options.

	5.5
	Any
salary payable to the Employee shall be subject to any applicable withholdings which may be imposed by any (governmental or other) authority having jurisdiction over this
Agreement and any such withholdings shall be deducted by the Company from the salary payments made by the Company to the Employee under this agreement.

	5.6
	The
Employee shall be entitled to participate in the Group Personal Pension Plan, Surviving Partner Insurance, Private Medical Expenses Insurance, Disability Insurance, Saving Schemes
and Travel Insurance insofar as travel for business purposes is required. The Employee confirms to be familiar with the prevailing schemes of the Company. The parties agree to fulfil the obligations
arising from such schemes. The Employee or his next-of-kin shall enjoy such pension rights as determined in the prevailing schemes of the Company.  

 
	6
	 COMPANY CAR

	6.1
	To
assist in the performance of the duties hereunder the Company shall during the Agreement provide the Employee with a car of a cost and type applicable to his seniority (lease cost
of max. NLG 3,856/EUR 1,750 per month, excluding VAT, excluding fuel), or similar car allowance, and subject to any terms and conditions of the
company's car policy.  

 
	7
	 EXPENSES

	7.1
	The
Employee shall be reimbursed for all reasonable expenses relating to travelling, hotel accommodation and/or other expenses properly authorised by the Company and incurred in the
performance of the duties hereunder, which expenses shall be evidenced in such manner as the Company may specify from time to time.  

 
	8
	
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND RETURN OF COMPANY PROPERTY

	8.1
	The
Employee shall throughout the duration of this agreement and after the termination thereof for whatever reason, refrain from disclosing in any manner to any individual (including
other personnel of the Company, unless such personnel must be informed in connection with their work for the Company) any information of a confidential nature concerning the Company, which has become
known to the Employee as a result of his employment with the Company and of which the Employee knows or should have known to be of a confidential nature.

	8.2
	The
Employee shall neither have nor keep in his possession, any documents and/or correspondence and/or data carriers and/or copies thereof in any manner whatsoever, which belong to
the Company and which have been made available to the Employee as a result of his employment, except insofar as and for as long as necessary for the performance of his duties for the Company. 

3

 

In
any event, the Employee will be obliged to immediately return to the Company, without necessitating the need for any request to be made, any and all such documents and/or correspondence and/or data
carriers and/or copies thereof at termination of the Agreement or on suspension of the Employee from active duty for whatever reason. 

	8.3
	Furthermore,
the Employee is required to deliver to the Company on request or before the end of his employment (or immediately should his employment terminate without notice) all
other property belonging to the Company, including but not limited to (office) keys, computer hard- and software, mobile phones etc. The Employee will be required to sign a release form,
stating that all such property has been duly returned.  

 
	9
	 TRADE SECRETS AND/OR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, CONFIDENTIAL/ PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AND
NON-SOLLICITATION

	9.1
	The
Employee shall be subject to the Company's policy in respect of trade secrets, confidential/proprietary information and non-solicitation as set out in
Schedule 1 attached.  

 
	10
	 CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND INTEGRITY POLICY

	10.1
	The
Employee shall be subject to the Company's policy in respect of conflict of interest and integrity as set out in Schedule 2 attached.  

 
	11
	
SICKNESS/INCAPACITY FOR WORK

	11.1
	In
the event of sickness as defined in article 7:629 of the Civil Code, the Employee shall notify the Company, specifically the Employee's immediate supervisor and the Human
Resources department, as soon as possible, but in any case before 10.00 am at the latest on the first day of sickness. The Employee shall observe the Company's policy pertaining to sickness, as
determined by the Company from time to time.

	11.2
	In
the event of sickness, the Company shall from the first day of sickness pay to the Employee 100% of his salary and holiday allowance up to a maximum period of 52 weeks as from the
first day of sickness, if the Company is under the obligation to pay salary in accordance with article 7:629 sub 1 of the Civil Code.

	11.3
	With
respect to the part of the salary paid by the Company to the Employee that exceeds the minimum obligation of the Company to pay 70% of the salary to the Employee in the event of
sickness as set out in article 7:629 sub 1 of the Dutch Civil Code, the following shall apply. If the Employee can validly claim damages from a third party as a result of loss of salary, the
Company shall satisfy payment by means of advanced payments on the compensation to be received from the third party. The Employee hereby assigns his rights to damages
vis-à-vis the third party concerned up to the total amount of advanced payments made to the Company. The advanced payments shall be set-off by the
Company if the compensation is paid, or, as the case may be, in proportion thereto.

	11.4
	The
Employee shall be entitled to participate in the group "WAO-gat" insurance (disability insurance) that provides for supplementary payments after the first 52 weeks of
sickness, up to a maximum of 70% of the Employee's salary under the conditions and for the period as detailed in the insurance policy.  

 
	12
	
NOTICES

	12.1
	Any
notice to be given hereunder shall be in writing, delivered by registered mail and/or courier service. 

4

 
	13
	 DISCIPLINARY RULES AND PROCEDURES

	13.1
	Any
single act of gross misconduct, or persistent failure to comply with a reasonable instruction or reasonable instructions given to the Employee may result in summary dismissal.   

 
	14
	 PREVIOUS CONTRACTS

	14.1
	This
Agreement substitutes any previous contract of service between the Company or any of the Group Companies and the Employee, which shall be deemed to have been terminated by
mutual consent as from the commencement of the Agreement.

	14.2
	The
Employee hereby warrants and represents to the Company that he shall not, in entering into this agreement or carrying out his duties hereunder, be in breach of any terms of
employment whether expressed or implied or any other obligation binding him.  

 
	15
	 CONSTRUCTION

	15.1
	The
headings in this agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect its construction.  

 
	16
	 OTHER APPLICABLE RULES

	16.1
	In
addition to the provision contained in this agreement, the conditions of employment as determined by the Company from time to time and laid down in the Employee Handbook shall
apply to the Employee. A copy of these conditions has been provided to the Employee.  

 
	17
	 UNILATERAL AMENDMENTS

	17.1
	The
Company reserves the right to unilaterally amend the employment conditions and the provisions of the employment agreement in the event that such amendment is of such importance
to its interests that any possible interest of the Employee that is affected by the amendment must be superseded.  

 
	18
	 GOVERNING LAW, NO
CAO

	18.1
	This
agreement shall be governed by Dutch law.

	18.2
	No
Collective Labour Agreement ("CAO") is applicable to this agreement. 

        Agreed
and signed in duplicate on: 

	Signed by the said Employee:

Jörg Menten	 	Date:

Place:

Signature:	 	1 July 2001

Schiphol-Rijk

/s/ Jörg Menten
	

Signed by Frank DiLazarro

for and on behalf of
 KCI Europe Holding BV	
 	

Date:

Place:

Signature:	
 	

1 July 2001

San Antonio

/s/ Frank DiLazarro

5

 
 
 

SCHEDULE 1
  
    TRADE SECRETS AND/OR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETORY INFORMATION AND NON-SOLLICITATION    
    

During
the Agreement, the Employee will acquire knowledge of confidential and propriety information regarding, among other things, the Company's present and future operations, its customers and
suppliers, pricing and bidding strategies, and the methods used by the Company and its employees. 

Therefore,
the Employee hereby agrees to the following: 

	•
	TRADE SECRETS AND/OR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

During
the Agreement and after the termination of the Agreement the Employee will hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company, and shall not directly or indirectly use or disclose any
Trade Secret and/or Intellectual Property, as defined below, that the Employee may require during the Agreement for so long as such information remains a trade secret. The term
"Trade Secret and/or Intellectual Property" as used in this agreement shall mean information including, but not limited to, technical or
non-technical data, a formula, a pattern, a compilation, a program, a device, a method, a technique, a drawing, a process, financial data, financial plans, product plans or a list of
actual or potential customers or suppliers which: 

	(1)
	derives
economic value, actual or potential from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by other persons who can obtain economic value from
its disclosure or use; and

	(2)
	is
the subject of reasonable efforts by the Company or its Group to maintain its confidentiality.

	•
	CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

In
addition to the above and not in limitation thereof, the Employee agrees that, during the Agreement and for a period of 2 (two) years after termination, the Employee will hold in a fiduciary
capacity for the benefit of the Company and shall not directly or indirectly use or disclose, any Confidential or Proprietary information, as defined below, that the Employee may have acquired
(whether or not developed or compiled by the Employee and whether or not the Employee was authorised to have access to such information) during the term of, in the course of or as a result of the
Agreement. The term"Confidential/ Proprietary Information" as used in this Agreement means any secret, confidential, or proprietary information of the
Company not otherwise included in the definition of "Trade Secret and/or Intellectual Property" above and does not include information that has become generally available to the public by the act of
one who has the right to disclose such information without violating any right of any clients, customers and/or business relations of the Company to which such information pertains. 

	•
	NON-SOLICITATION

The
Employee agrees that for a period of 6 (six) months after termination of the Agreement for any reason whatsoever, he will not attempt to solicit, interfere with, endeavour to entice away from the
Company and/or hire for any purpose whatsoever (whether as an employee, consultant, adviser, independent contractor or otherwise) any senior employee of the Company or any person who was a senior
employee of the Company at any time during the 1 (one) year period prior to termination of the Agreement, in either case provided that the Employee had contact with such employee during the 1 (one)
year prior to termination of employment. 

6

 

The
covenants contained in this Schedule shall inure to the benefit of the Company, and successor of it and every subsidiary and affiliate. 

In
the event of any breach by the Employee of any of the obligations referred to in above articles and paragraphs, the Employee shall contrary to article 7:650 sub 3, 4 and 5 of the Civil Code,
without any notice of default being required, pay to the Company for each such breach, a penalty amounting to EUR 10,000 plus a penalty of EUR 1,000 for each day such breach occurs and continues.
Alternatively, the Company will be entitled to claim full damages. 

	Signed by the said Employee:

Jörg Menten	 	Date:

Place:

Signature:	 	1 July 2001

Schiphol-Rijk

/s/ Jörg Menten

7

 
 
 

SCHEDULE 2
  
    CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND INTEGRITY POLICY    
    

An
employee of the Company shall conduct his business and personal affairs with such ethics and integrity that no conflict of interest with the Company's business, real or implied, can be construed. A
conflict of interest shall be deemed to exist if an employee or an Affiliate (as defined hereunder) of an employee has any interest (including, but not limited to equity ownership, interest
arrangement, commission, gift) direct or indirect, in a client, supplier, contractor, or other principle dealing with the Company and that interest is of such extent or nature that it might reasonably
be perceived by the Board to affect the employee's judgement or decisions exercised on behalf of the Company. 

An
employee or any affiliate of the employee shall not personally or on behalf of the Company receive or be involved with any kickbacks, bribes, gratuities, reciprocal arrangements or other improper
or illegal arrangements, or benefit personally from any rebates or discounts, with any other organisations and personnel conducting or soliciting, currently or prospectively, the business with the
Company. 

An
employee of the Company shall not bring the company into disrepute. More specifically, an employee or any affiliate of an employee shall not permit or be involved in any direct or indirect pay,
award, commission, or other compensation to any person or organisation for purposes of improperly or illegally inducing action of any kind whatsoever. 

Where
any questionable outside business activity is contemplated, an employee must obtain prior approval of the Board. 

For
purposes of this policy, affiliate shall include, but not limited to, any relative by blood or by marriage or any entity in which the employee or any such relative may have any financial, voting,
controlling and/or management interest. 

	Signed by the said Employee:

Jörg Menten	 	Date:

Place:

Signature:	 	1 July 2001

Schiphol-Rijk

/s/ Jörg Menten

8

QuickLinks

EXHIBIT 10.29

SCHEDULE 1 TRADE SECRETS AND/OR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETORY INFORMATION AND NON-SOLLICITATION

SCHEDULE 2 CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND INTEGRITY POLICY

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